Thromboembolism prevention after chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly: A leap in the dark

The incidence of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) increases with age.1,2 Risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of cSDH, apart from advancing age, include a history of falls, minor head injury, use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, bleeding disorders, heavy alcohol use, epilepsy, low intracranial pressure conditions, and hemodialysis.1 The aged population also endures the highest risk of atrial fibrillation and other conditions that predispose them to devastating ischemic cardiac and cerebral ischemic events.3 Antithrombotic therapy constitutes evidence-based therapy to prevent these ischemic events, but consensus holds that use of antithrombotic medications is also the most important risk factor that accounts for the increasing incidence of cSDH in the elderly.1

Source: Neurology - May 15, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Suarez, J. I., Kapinos, G. Tags: Brain trauma, Patient safety EDITORIALS Source Type: research