What is a common cause of a subdural hematoma?

A subdural hematoma is most commonly associated with the tearing of bridging veins, which occurs when the brain moves within the skull during rapid deceleration or impact. This creates a shearing force at the site where small veins that cross the subdural space are anchored. When these veins tear, blood leaks into the subdural space, leading to a hematoma.

This type of hematoma often occurs in situations involving falls or shaking injuries and can develop over time, sometimes causing delayed symptoms. While arterial bleeding can lead to an epidural hematoma, it is not the primary mechanism for subdural hematomas. Direct impact trauma may also contribute to various types of head injuries, but the critical factor for a subdural hematoma is the shearing of the bridging veins. Skull fractures can result in bleeding, but they typically align with other types of hematomas rather than subdural ones. Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognizing and appropriately responding to head injuries in tactical scenarios.