Which head trauma finding typically involves immediate loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval?

Which head trauma finding typically involves immediate loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval?

• A. Subdural hematoma
• B. Epidural hematoma
• C. Contusion
• D. Cerebral concussion

Answer: (B)

The finding that typically involves immediate loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval is characteristic of an epidural hematoma. In this condition, a collection of blood occurs between the dura mater and the skull, often due to a fracture of the temporal bone that tears the middle meningeal artery. Initially, after the trauma, the person may lose consciousness due to the rapid rise in intracranial pressure from the accumulating blood. This period of unconsciousness is often followed by a lucid interval, where the patient may appear fine and regain consciousness for a short time. However, as the hematoma expands, the intracranial pressure increases again, leading to a rapid deterioration in the patient's condition. Recognizing the classic presentation of an epidural hematoma is crucial, as these patients require prompt medical intervention, such as surgical evacuation of the hematoma, to prevent severe complications or death.

The finding that typically involves immediate loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval is characteristic of an epidural hematoma. In this condition, a collection of blood occurs between the dura mater and the skull, often due to a fracture of the temporal bone that tears the middle meningeal artery.

Initially, after the trauma, the person may lose consciousness due to the rapid rise in intracranial pressure from the accumulating blood. This period of unconsciousness is often followed by a lucid interval, where the patient may appear fine and regain consciousness for a short time. However, as the hematoma expands, the intracranial pressure increases again, leading to a rapid deterioration in the patient's condition.

Recognizing the classic presentation of an epidural hematoma is crucial, as these patients require prompt medical intervention, such as surgical evacuation of the hematoma, to prevent severe complications or death.