The evaluation of subdural hematoma begins with a history and physical examination.

Subdural hematomas are caused by head injuries.

Physical findings in someone with a head injury may include:

• Scalp bruising
• Scalp swelling
• Scalp tenderness
• Skull deformity: a depressed area on the skull

Additional physical findings that may be found during a neurologic exam include:

• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking
• Numbness in one arm or leg:
• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg numbness (unilateral)
• Weakness in one arm or leg:
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg weakness (unilateral)
• Facial weakness (unilateral):
• Facial drooping
• Memory problems
• Change in vision:
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Abnormal eye muscle exam
• Abnormal eye pupil exam
• Papilledema:
• Evidence of increased brain pressure on eye exam
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• Excessive sleepiness

The diagnosis of subdural hematoma must be confirmed through testing.

Tests may include:

• Blood clotting studies
• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain