ABSTRACT
Extradural (or epidural) hematoma (EDH) is the term given to a collection of blood that accumulates in the potential space between the periosteal dura and the skull. It is well accepted that any delay in the decompression of a rapidly expanding, or large volume, intracranial hematoma can result in significant morbidity and mortality and; therefore, neurosurgical referral and clot evacuation is time critical. Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care physicians often treat patients with traumatic brain injury at an early stage and, therefore, play a key role in the prompt recognition of time-critical intracranial pathology in addition to the transfer to and facilitation of subsequent lifesaving neurosurgical management. For this reason, it is imperative to develop a sound knowledge base and skill set in order to facilitate the optimal management of traumatic EDH.
