Massive subdural hematoma misdiagnosed as delayed encephalopathy of carbon monoxide poisoning: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Subdural hematoma is often secondary to brain trauma and other diseases. The onset is hidden and the condition is critical. Timely detection and early treatment are particularly important. The patient denied a history of trauma, but had a history of consciousness loss after charcoal burning. The clinical symptoms were progressive cognitive impairment. The initial diagnosis was delayed encephalopathy caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. However, computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a large area of subdural hematoma on the left side and the formation of a cerebral hernia, which was life-threatening. The patient’s symptoms gradually improved after an emergency operation.

Keywords

subdural hematoma / delayed encephalopathy of carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) / cerebral hernia / cognitive impairment / dementia