Chart — Neurology
Epidural vs Subdural Hematoma Chart
Two head bleeds, two signatures. Epidural = fast arterial bleed with a lucid interval and a lens-shaped CT; subdural = slower venous bleed, classic in the elderly and anticoagulated, crescent-shaped.
Educational use only. Intracranial hematoma is a neurosurgical emergency; management is provider-directed. This chart is an educational comparison aid. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Side by Side
| Feature | Epidural hematoma | Subdural hematoma |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Between skull and dura | Between dura and arachnoid |
| Bleeding source | ARTERIAL (middle meningeal artery) | VENOUS (bridging veins) |
| Onset | Rapid (minutes–hours) | Slower; acute, subacute, or chronic (days–weeks) |
| Classic clue | LUCID INTERVAL — brief recovery, then rapid decline | Gradual/fluctuating decline; chronic in elderly |
| CT shape | Lens / biconvex (lemon) | Crescent / concave (banana) |
| Typical patient | Younger trauma (temporal blow) | Elderly, alcohol use, anticoagulated, falls |
| Nursing priority | Recognize fast decline → emergent surgical evacuation | Serial neuro checks; watch anticoagulated/elderly; evacuation if large |
Exam Traps
- ✦Epidural = Arterial + lucid interval + lens (biconvex/lemon) shape — deteriorates fast.
- ✦Subdural = venous + crescent (banana) shape — classic in elderly, alcohol use, and anticoagulated patients.
- ✦Chronic subdural can present days-to-weeks after a minor fall (think elderly on anticoagulants).
- ✦Both: serial neuro checks; a declining LOC is the first warning of expansion/rising ICP.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with American Heart Association / American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) · American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN). It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →