Complications & Outcomes
Subdural hygroma
A subdural hygroma is a collection of fluid over the brain's surface that can occur with overdrainage in shunted patients.
In short: Subdural hygroma
- It is a collection of fluid (not blood) over the brain's surface.
- It can result from overdrainage in shunted patients.
- It is related to the brain pulling slightly away from the skull.
- It may be monitored or treated depending on size and symptoms.
What it is
A subdural hygroma is a collection of fluid (rather than blood) between the brain's surface and its outer covering. Like a subdural hematoma, it can occur as a complication of overdrainage in shunted patients.
Understanding Subdural hygroma
When a shunt overdrains, the resulting low pressure and the brain pulling slightly away from the skull can lead to a collection of fluid over the brain's surface (a hygroma). A hygroma differs from a hematoma in that it is fluid rather than blood, though the two can be related and both are associated with overdrainage. A subdural hygroma may cause no symptoms and be found on imaging, or it may cause symptoms depending on its size. Management depends on the situation — often monitoring and adjusting the shunt to reduce overdrainage, with surgical drainage reserved for larger or symptomatic collections. Recognizing hygromas is part of managing the balance of shunt drainage.
Why it matters
Understanding subdural hygroma helps families see another fluid-collection complication of overdrainage, and why shunt drainage is balanced and such collections are monitored or treated based on the situation.
Common questions
What is a subdural hygroma?
A collection of fluid over the brain's surface.
How does it differ from a hematoma?
A hygroma is fluid, while a hematoma is blood.
How is it managed?
By monitoring, adjusting the shunt, or draining, depending on size and symptoms.
Bottom line
A subdural hygroma is a fluid collection over the brain's surface that can result from overdrainage, managed based on its size and symptoms.
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