Subdural Haematomas in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A subdural haematoma (often spelled subdural hematoma in the U.S.) is a collection of blood that forms between layers of the brain’s protective coverings (the meninges) after a head injury. It usually happens when small veins tear because the brain moves suddenly inside the skull, often from:

  • A fall (including winter ice-related falls common in West Michigan)
  • A car, bicycle, or motorcycle accident
  • A sports injury
  • An assault or other direct blow to the head

In older adults, even a relatively minor head injury—such as a simple trip on ice on a Grand Rapids sidewalk or a low-speed car crash—can be enough to cause bleeding.

Residents in Grand Rapids, MI should be especially alert in winter, when slippery conditions increase the risk of falls and head trauma.

How the Brain Is Protected

The brain controls and coordinates both conscious and unconscious body functions. It is protected by:

  • The skull – a hard, bony shell that acts as the first line of defense.
  • The meninges – three thin layers of tissue that cushion and protect the brain inside the skull.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and provides extra cushioning.

The Three Layers of the Meninges

The meninges are made up of three layers:

  • Pia mater – the innermost layer, directly covering the brain.
  • Arachnoid mater – the middle layer, sitting on top of the pia mater.
  • Dura mater – the tough outer layer, closest to the skull.

Although the main role of the meninges is protection, they also contain blood vessels. When these vessels are damaged during a head injury, bleeding can occur between the dura and the arachnoid layers, forming a subdural haematoma.

Types of Subdural Haematoma

Doctors in Grand Rapids emergency departments (such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West/Metro Health) classify subdural haematomas by how quickly they develop after an injury:

Acute Subdural Haematoma

  • Develops within 24 hours of the head injury.
  • Usually caused by a severe trauma (e.g., major car crash on I-196 or US-131, high-impact sports injury).
  • Considered a medical emergency and often requires urgent surgery.

Subacute (Acute on Chronic) Subdural Haematoma

  • Develops within 2 to 10 days after the initial trauma.
  • Symptoms may appear gradually and can be subtle at first.
  • Can progress and become more serious if not treated.

Chronic Subdural Haematoma

  • Develops more than 10 days after the injury—sometimes weeks later.
  • More common in older adults and people on blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants).
  • Even a minor bump to the head can lead to slow bleeding that gradually builds up and presses on the brain.

Symptoms of a Subdural Haematoma

Symptoms in Grand Rapids patients can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on:

  • The size of the bleed
  • How fast it develops
  • The person’s age and overall health

Common symptoms include:

  • Severe headache
  • Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
  • Confusion or changes in behavior
  • Slurred speech
  • Vision problems (blurred or double vision)
  • Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
  • Difficulty with balance or walking
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Neck stiffness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness or not waking up normally

When to Seek Emergency Care in Grand Rapids

Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health/Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health Hospital) if:

  • You or someone else has a head injury and any of the symptoms above
  • Symptoms worsen over time after a head injury
  • An older adult or someone on blood thinners hits their head, even if the injury seems minor

If any unusual symptoms occur after a blow to the head, see a doctor immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Why Pressure on the Brain Is Dangerous

As blood collects and forms a clot under the dura mater, it takes up space inside the skull. Because the skull is rigid and cannot expand, this causes increased pressure on the brain.

This pressure can:

  • Push the brain against the skull
  • Damage delicate brain tissue
  • Disrupt normal brain function
  • Affect breathing, heart rate, and consciousness

Without prompt treatment, this can lead to:

  • Long-term brain damage
  • Disability
  • Death

This is why subdural haematomas are treated as emergencies in all major Grand Rapids hospitals.

Diagnosis of Subdural Haematoma in Grand Rapids

If a subdural haematoma is suspected, doctors will perform:

Imaging Tests

  • CT scan (Computed Tomography)

    • Usually the first test done in the emergency room.
    • Quick and effective at detecting bleeding and swelling in the brain.

  • MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

    • Provides more detailed images.
    • Often used to further evaluate chronic or subtle subdural haematomas.

These imaging tests are available at major medical centers in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health.

Treatment Options for Subdural Haematoma

Treatment in Grand Rapids will depend on:

  • The size of the bleed
  • How quickly it is growing
  • The symptoms
  • The person’s overall health and age

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment

A small subdural haematoma that is not causing significant pressure on the brain may be managed without surgery. This may include:

  • Close observation in the hospital
  • Repeated CT or MRI scans to monitor the bleed
  • Managing blood pressure and other medical conditions
  • Adjusting or stopping blood thinners, if possible (under medical supervision)

Patients may be monitored in intensive care units at Grand Rapids hospitals to watch for any signs of worsening.

Surgical Treatment

If the subdural haematoma is large or causing pressure on the brain, neurosurgical intervention is usually required.

Common procedures include:

Burr Hole Drainage

  • A neurosurgeon drills one or more small holes in the skull.
  • The blood clot is drained to relieve pressure.
  • Often used for chronic subdural haematomas, especially in older adults.

Craniotomy

  • A larger section of the skull bone is temporarily removed.
  • The surgeon accesses the brain to:
    • Remove the blood clot
    • Repair ruptured blood vessels
  • After surgery:
    • The bone flap is replaced
    • The muscles and skin are stitched closed
    • A drain may be left in place to remove any remaining blood or fluid

These surgeries are performed by neurosurgeons at major Grand Rapids facilities such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Recovery and Follow-Up in Grand Rapids

Recovery depends on:

  • The size and type of subdural haematoma
  • How quickly treatment was started
  • The person’s age and overall health

Some people recover fully, while others may have long-term problems such as:

  • Memory or thinking difficulties
  • Weakness or coordination problems
  • Speech or vision changes
  • Personality or mood changes

Local Rehabilitation Resources

After hospital treatment, you may be referred to:

  • Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs in Grand Rapids
  • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
  • Local providers such as:
    • Corewell Health rehab services
    • Trinity Health rehabilitation programs
    • Independent rehab clinics in the Grand Rapids metro area

Reducing Your Risk in West Michigan

While not all head injuries can be prevented, you can reduce your risk of subdural haematoma by:

  • Wearing helmets for biking, skiing, snowboarding, and contact sports
  • Using seat belts and proper child restraints in vehicles
  • Preventing falls, especially in winter:
    • Use ice melt and sand on driveways and sidewalks
    • Wear shoes or boots with good traction
    • Use handrails on steps
  • Making the home safer for older adults:
    • Remove loose rugs and clutter
    • Install grab bars in bathrooms
    • Ensure good lighting
  • Managing medical conditions and medications with your Grand Rapids primary care provider, especially if you take blood thinners

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

In an emergency, always call 911.

You can also seek care at:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital – Emergency & Trauma
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Emergency Department
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health) – Emergency Department
  • Mercy Health urgent and emergency care locations in the region

For non-emergency concerns after a head injury:

  • Contact your primary care doctor or urgent care clinic in Grand Rapids.
  • Reach out to the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on local resources and injury prevention programs.

Key Points About Subdural Haematomas

  • A subdural haematoma is a blood clot between the layers of the meninges, usually caused by a direct blow to the head from a fall, assault, or traffic accident.
  • The meninges protect the brain but also contain blood vessels that can rupture during head trauma.
  • There are three main types:
    • Acute – develops within 24 hours
    • Subacute (acute on chronic) – develops within 2–10 days
    • Chronic – develops more than 10 days after injury
  • Symptoms range from headache and confusion to seizures, coma, or death, depending on the severity of the bleed.
  • Immediate medical attention is critical. If any unusual symptoms occur after a blow to the head, see a doctor or go to a Grand Rapids emergency department right away.