Received 11/08/2023
Review began 11/29/2023
Review ended 12/12/2023
Published 12/17/2023
© Copyright 2023
Zade et al. This is an open access article
distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0.,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original author and source are credited.
Rehabilitation of Traumatic Acute Subdural
Hematoma and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A
Case Report
Amisha P. Zade , Shruti S. Bhoge , Nikita H. Seth , Pratik Phansopkar
1. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and
Research, Wardha, IND
Corresponding author: Amisha P. Zade, 23amishazade@gmail.com
Abstract
A head injury or cerebrovascular illness may be the cause of acute intracranial hemorrhage. Making a precise
diagnosis is challenging since diagnostic imaging might be challenging in both situations. In this case report,
an aneurysmal rupture related head injury resulted in an acute subdural hematoma (SHD) after the patient
lost consciousness. A 54-year-old male was found in a state of unconsciousness on the ground and was
brought to the nearest hospital. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed an oblique fracture involving the
bilateral frontal and right parietal bones along with underlying SDH, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and
hemorrhagic contusion along with midline shift. The case report highlights the rehabilitation journey of a
patient with acute SDH and SAH. The patient can now sit independently and stand with minimal assistance.
Vasospasm detection, prevention, and treatment need to be the norm at that time. This case demonstrates
the effectiveness of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach in promoting mobility and independence for
patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Categories: Neurology, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Keywords: case report, physiotherapy, gait impairment, coordination exercises, balance exercises, balance, intra
cranial pressure, relaxation techniques, mobility training, acute subdural hematoma
Introduction
In acute subdural hematoma (SDH), there is bleeding between the brain and its outermost covering, while
subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) involves bleeding in the space around the brain. Severe and high-impact
injuries usually cause acute SDH. Trauma, cerebral hypotension, and faulty coagulation are further potential
causes. Through a combination of functional mobility activities, core stability exercises, balance, gait
training, and relaxation exercises, the patient can achieve significant improvement in functional
independence; however, numerous risk factors, including advanced age, alcohol consumption, certain
medications (antiplatelet, anticoagulants), and, finally, a history of brain damage, can potentially exacerbate
this problem [1]. There are comparable risk factors for aneurysmal development in cases of SAH caused by
aneurysmal causes [2]. The most frequently noted risk factors include smoking, hypertension, and family
history. Alcohol, sympathomimetic medications, and low estrogen levels are further risks. At the dura-
arachnoid junction, there is a specialized layer of fibroblasts called the dural border cell layer. It is
distinguished by flattened fibroblasts, extracellular gaps, little extracellular collagen, and few cell
connections [3]. A tiny portion of instances may not be discovered during the first angiographic
examinations, but they may be found after a follow-up angiography and placed in this category [4].
Guidelines on surgical treatment of traumatic SDH have been released by the Foundation for Brain Trauma
[5]. Nevertheless, the proportion of SDH patients who can be selected for conservative therapy and the
outcomes of these individuals are poorly comprehended. Aneurysmal SAH is an acute neurologic emergency
[6]. To stop bleeding again, the aneurysm must be promptly and definitively treated by a craniotomy and
clipping or endovascular intervention using coils and/or stents [7]. The study sought to identify risk variables
linked to deteriorating and postponed surgery, as well as the percentage of patients who get conservative
therapy initially and the percentage of patients who would deteriorate and need surgical evacuation [8].
Ruptures of an aneurysm can cause SAH, which makes up around 5% of all strokes [9]. Frailty in the elderly
should be regularly assessed as it may result in increasing morbidity and mortality, opening the door to
therapies in the areas of medicine, surgery, nutrition, cognitive function, and physical activity [8]. This
study aims to improve understanding of aneurysmal SAH, a rare and serious illness that has a significant
risk of severe morbidity and death, in terms of both diagnosis and therapy [10]. This case demonstrates the
effectiveness of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach in promoting mobility and independence for
patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Case Presentation
A 59-year-old male, working as a driver, was brought to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH) in an
unconscious state. The patient was alright till October 6, 2023; he was found unconscious on the ground and
was brought to the nearest hospital where his Glasgow Coma Scale score was found to be 9. The patient was
1 1 1 1
Open Access Case
Report DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50660
How to cite this article
Zade A P, Bhoge S S, Seth N H, et al. (December 17, 2023) Rehabilitation of Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma and Subarachnoid
Hemorrhage: A Case Report. Cureus 15(12): e50660. DOI 10.7759/cureus.50660