The CT scan is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of epidural hematoma. The following findings on performing CT scan are confirmatory for epidural hematoma: Bi-convex (or lentiform) shaped hematoma in epidural space which can cross the dural reflections unlike a subdural hematoma but it does not cross skull's suture lines where the dura tightly adheres to the adjacent skull, depressed skull fracture in some cases of epidural hematoma, midline shift of brain tissue, subfalcine herniation and uncal herniation. Among patients with head trauma CT scan is indicated for detecting epidural hematoma and other kind of intracranial hemorrhages in patients with: age > 60 years, glasgow Coma Scale under 15, Headache, Vomiting, Loss of consciousness, Amnesia, alcohol or drug intoxication. Screening for cervical spinal hematoma by CT scan is recommended among patients with acute onset of hemiparesis, specially when they are associated with neck pain. MRI is the preferred imaging<unk>  for diagnosis of spinal epidural hematoma. In patients with spinal epidural hematoma findings on MRI suggestive of spinal epidural hematoma include: A variable signal intensity( Isointensity to cord in T1-weighted images and Hyperintensity with areas of hypointensity in T2-weighted images), capping of epidural fat, direct continuity with the adjacent osseous structures and compression of epidural fat, subarachnoid sac, and spinal cord. MRI is sensitive for diagnosis of intracranial epidural hematoma but it is rarely used for diagnosis of it because of its limited availability and because more time is needed to prepare the patients for MRI.
Epidural hematoma diagnostic study of choice
Epidural hematoma physical examination
Subdural hematoma differential diagnosis
Epidural abscess other diagnostic studies
Epidural hematoma risk factors
Epidural hematoma laboratory findings
Intracerebral hemorrhage other imaging findings
Subdural empyema physical examination