Acute Subdural Hematoma in a High School Football Player Requiring Emergent Decompressive Craniectomy

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to present the case of a high school football player who sustained an injury during a game, resulting in an acute subdural hematoma (SDH). The patient underwent an emergent decompressive craniectomy. The uniqueness of the case is due to both rare pathology and treatment. The athlete had a positive outcome due to prompt on-field assessment and advanced surgical treatments. Athletic trainers should know how to recognize symptoms of emergent traumatic brain injuries and be prepared to implement an emergency action plan when necessary.