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Subdural Hematoma Treatment in Kochi, Kerala

Fast surgical drainage of subdural hematoma — relieving brain pressure, restoring function, and supporting recovery for patients across Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kerala.

What Is a Subdural Hematoma?

A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the brain and its outer covering (the dura mater). It usually happens after a head injury when bridging veins tear and bleed into this space. The pooled blood exerts pressure on the brain, which can cause serious or life-threatening neurological problems if not treated quickly.

Dr. Ganesh V.L provides expert subdural hematoma surgery in Kochi, offering rapid drainage and compassionate care for patients from Ernakulam, Kottayam, and across Kerala.

Types of Subdural Hematomas Treated

  • Acute subdural hematoma (within 3 days of injury — surgical emergency)
  • Subacute subdural hematoma (3 days to 3 weeks)
  • Chronic subdural hematoma (3+ weeks — gradual onset, common in elderly)
  • Bilateral subdural hematoma (both sides of the brain)
  • Recurrent or re-accumulated subdural hematoma
Quick Facts
Procedure Time
1 – 3 hours
Hospital Stay
3 – 7 days
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Walking After
1 – 2 days post-surgery

When to See a Subdural Hematoma Specialist in Kochi

Subdural hematoma symptoms can appear immediately after a head injury or develop slowly weeks later. Seek urgent neurosurgical care in Kochi if you notice:

Warning Signs

  • Severe headache after a head injury or fall
  • Confusion or progressive drowsiness
  • Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
  • Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
  • Unequal pupils or blurred vision
  • Seizures after head trauma
  • Gradual personality change or memory deterioration in elderly patients weeks after a minor fall
  • Persistent or worsening headaches, especially in the morning
  • Unexplained seizures or convulsions for the first time
  • Sudden weakness or numbness in arms or legs
  • Vision changes, double vision, or loss of balance
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding language
  • Back or neck pain radiating into limbs, with leg weakness or bladder changes
  • Behavioural or personality changes without clear cause

If you or a family member experiences any of these symptoms, please bring your MRI or CT scan to your first appointment for a same-day assessment.

Elderly Fall + New Confusion?

Chronic subdural hematoma in elderly patients can present weeks after a minor fall — especially in those on blood thinners. Bring a recent CT scan and Dr. Ganesh V.L can assess whether drainage is needed.

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Surgery & Treatment — What Dr. Ganesh Performs

Treatment depends on the type, size, and neurological impact of the hematoma. Dr. Ganesh V.L tailors the surgical approach to each patient for maximum safety and recovery.

Burr Hole Drainage (for Chronic Subdural Hematoma)

One or two small holes are drilled in the skull under general anaesthesia and a drain is placed to remove the liquefied blood. This is the most common and effective procedure for chronic subdural hematoma, with quick recovery and excellent results.

Craniotomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma

For large, acute hematomas causing rapid neurological deterioration, a section of the skull is temporarily removed to evacuate the clot and stop any active bleeding. This is an emergency procedure.

Twist Drill Craniotomy

A minimally invasive bedside procedure where a small-bore drill is used to tap and drain a chronic subdural hematoma, often done under local anaesthesia. Suitable for patients who are elderly or medically unfit for general anaesthesia.

Conservative Management

Very small, stable, asymptomatic subdural hematomas — particularly in young patients — may be observed with serial CT scans. The hematoma often reabsorbs naturally over weeks.

Common Questions from Patients in Kerala

Frequently asked questions about subdural hematoma diagnosis, drainage surgery, recovery, and access to a specialist in Kochi.

Ask Dr. Ganesh

Acute large subdurals are a neurosurgical emergency and can be fatal without prompt treatment. Chronic subdurals are less acute but still cause serious symptoms and need timely drainage.

Yes, very commonly. Elderly people, especially those on blood thinners, can develop a significant chronic subdural hematoma even after a seemingly minor bump or fall. Any new confusion or weakness in an elderly person after a fall needs brain imaging urgently.

Recurrence happens in about 10–20% of cases, particularly with chronic subdurals. A drain is left in place for 24–48 hours to minimise this risk. If it recurs, a second drainage is effective.

Most patients with chronic subdural hematoma recover quickly — walking within 1–2 days and home in 3–7 days. Neurological recovery (memory, strength) continues over weeks to months depending on how long the pressure was present.

Yes. Dr. Ganesh V.L at Sunrise Hospital, Kochi, provides emergency and elective subdural hematoma surgery for patients from Ernakulam, Kottayam, and all of Kerala.

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