Which statement correctly describes a subdural hematoma?

• A. Located above the skull bone.
• B. Lies under the dura mater and above the arachnoid.
• C. Always occurs with extradural hematoma.
• D. Occurs only in children.

Answer: (B)

Bleeding into the subdural space, which lies between the dura mater and the arachnoid, is the hallmark finding. This happens when bridging veins are torn after a head injury, and the blood accumulates there, creating a subdural hematoma that can be acute, subacute, or chronic. The statement that correctly describes it is that the hematoma lies under the dura and above the arachnoid. It is not located above the skull bone. It does not have to occur with an extradural (epidural) hematoma, and it is not limited to children—it can occur at any age, though it’s more common in older adults due to brain atrophy. On imaging, you’d typically see a crescent-shaped collection along the brain surface that can cross suture lines, which helps distinguish it from an epidural hematoma that is lens-shaped and confined by sutures.