Rapid resolution of acute epidural hematoma: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Acute epidural hematomas present a serious and urgent condition. Standard management is early diagnosis and immediate surgical evacuation. Otherwise, there is a high risk of quick deterioration and death. Only patients with small asymptomatic epidural hematomas can be managed conservatively with close observation. We present a case of traumatic right temporal epidural hematoma. This is one of the rare cases of rapid spontaneous resolution of epidural hematomas within hours. Various possible mechanisms to explain the rapid resolution are discussed together with a review of the literature regarding the conservative treatment of epidural hematoma.