Electroencephalography in Subdural Hematoma and Effusion in Infants

The difficulties in the clinical diagnosis of subdural hematoma and effusion in infants are well known. The symptoms and signs are in many cases nonspecific, especially in the early stages of the disease.¹ A history of trauma, which has been considered to be one of the main causes of this disease, can be elicited only in a minority of the cases. Other conditions, such as malnutrition, diarrhea, meningitis, and bleeding tendencies, are today known etiological factors for the production of fluid in the subdural space. Such a collection of fluid is frequently accompanied by changes in the brain (swelling, atrophy) and by the formation of membranes. These changes may form the basis for later convulsive disorders and disturbances in somatic and mental development. Early diagnosis and early surgical treatment are, therefore, of paramount important, since a proper surgical procedure may provide a complete cure and prevent later complications.

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