Final answer:
A chronic subdural hematoma typically presents with symptoms such as headache, confusion, and neurological deficits due to the increasing intracranial pressure resulting from the accumulation of blood between the brain and dura mater. Diagnosis often involves neurological exams and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs. Progressive symptoms can lead to severe outcomes if not addressed promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assessment findings of a chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can vary based on the stage of the condition but generally include a collection of slowly developing symptoms. Due to the nature of CSDH, where blood accumulates between the brain and the dura mater over time, initial symptoms might be mild or mistaken for other conditions. However, as the hematoma expands, increased intracranial pressure leads to more pronounced symptoms. These may include headache, confusion, changes in behavior, lethargy, aphasia, hemiparesis, and seizures. In severe cases, it may lead to coma or death if untreated. Symptoms associated with a CSDH are a result of the increasing pressure on the brain tissue and the corresponding displacement of brain structures, as indicated by a CT scan or MRI showing a hyperdense or hypodense crescent-shaped mass over one hemisphere and possible midline shift. The neurological examination is crucial for identifying subtle or progressive neurological deficits linked to CSDH.
In addition to clinical symptoms and radiological evidence, a neurological exam can provide insight into the extent of the condition. An assessment may reveal impairment in motor and sensory function indicative of brain compression. In chronic cases, the brain's compensatory mechanisms may delay the onset of symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.