About Chronic Subdural Haematoma
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive option (burr hole) with smaller incisions and faster recovery.Effectively relieves pressure on the brain, reversing neurological deficits.Prevents permanent brain damage and can be life-saving.High success rate in improving symptoms like confusion, weakness, and headache.Often performed under local or general anesthesia with careful monitoring.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma causing neurological deficits (e.g., limb weakness, speech difficulty, confusion).
- Increasing size of the haematoma on follow-up brain scans (CT or MRI).
- Significant mass effect (pressure) on the brain causing midline shift.
- Persistent and worsening headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
- Deterioration in level of consciousness or cognitive function.
- Failure of conservative management in select patients.
How to prepare
- Complete neurological examination and review of medical history, especially blood thinners.
- Pre-operative brain imaging (CT scan or MRI) to precisely locate the haematoma.
- Blood tests to check clotting function, electrolytes, and overall fitness for surgery.
- Discontinuation of antiplatelet (e.g., aspirin) or anticoagulant (e.g., warfarin) medications as advised, sometimes with bridging therapy.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection of the surgical site, bone, or brain (meningitis).
- Bleeding or re-accumulation of the haematoma requiring further surgery.
- Injury to brain tissue or blood vessels during the procedure.
- Seizures during or after the operation.
- Stroke, permanent neurological deficit, or weakness.
- Complications related to anesthesia.
- Air entering the skull (pneumocephalus) which usually resolves.
- Persistent headache or fluid leakage from the wound.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in a neurosurgical intensive care unit or high-dependency ward.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Gradual mobilization with assistance to prevent falls.
- Monitoring for signs of recurrence, infection, or neurological changes.
- Stitch or staple removal 7-10 days post-surgery.
- Avoidance of strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks.
- Follow-up brain scan to confirm resolution of the haematoma.
- Gradual return to normal activities as tolerated, with full cognitive recovery potentially taking weeks to months.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic activities; 2-3 months for full cognitive and physical recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering chronic subdural haematoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for chronic subdural haematoma in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform chronic subdural haematoma. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for chronic subdural haematoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 400 Thousand | 5-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities; 2-3 months for full cognitive and physical recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.4 Million | 5-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities; 2-3 months for full cognitive and physical recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Chronic Subdural Haematoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing chronic subdural haematoma.
Myra Sharma, a 78-year-old retired school...
Myra Sharma, a 78-year-old retired school principal, lives independently and values her daily walks and book club. Over three weeks, she noticed a gradual but concerning change: her left arm felt weak, she was dropping her teacup, and her speech became slightly slurred. She dismissed it as 'old age' until she stumbled getting out of bed. Her daughter insisted on an A&E visit. A CT scan revealed a significant chronic subdural haematoma on the right side of her brain. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that the slow bleed was putting pressure on her brain, causing her symptoms. He recommended a burr hole evacuation, a minimally invasive procedure to drain the collected blood. Myra was terrified of 'brain surgery' but trusted Dr. Evans's calm explanation. The procedure under local anaesthetic was quick; she felt pressure but no pain. In recovery, the weakness in her arm began to improve within hours. After two nights in hospital for observation, she returned home. Within a week, her speech was clear and her coordination restored. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and frustration at her declining independence to profound relief and gratitude. She felt she had been given her active life back and became a vocal advocate for seniors not ignoring subtle neurological changes.
Neurosurgeons for Chronic Subdural Haematoma
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform chronic subdural haematoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada