When to call 911
Do not wait for an office appointment. Call 911 for new weakness, trouble speaking, a seizure, loss of consciousness, rapidly worsening confusion, difficulty waking, or a severe or worsening headache—especially after a head injury. Do not drive yourself. These symptoms can also signal a stroke or another emergency.
Changes patients and families may notice
- A new or persistent headache.
- More trouble with walking or balance.
- Confusion, memory change, or unusual behavior.
- Sleepiness, slower responses, or reduced alertness.
- Weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, or vision changes.
- Nausea, vomiting, or a seizure.
Symptoms are not specific enough to diagnose a subdural hematoma at home. Imaging is needed when the clinical assessment raises concern.
When symptoms develop slowly
With a chronic subdural hematoma, a family member may first notice that someone is less steady, less alert, or “not themselves.” A minor fall may have happened weeks earlier.
Do not assume a new change is simply aging or dementia. Seek prompt medical assessment; sudden or worsening changes require emergency care.
After a head injury
Seek medical advice promptly after a head injury, particularly for an older adult or someone taking a blood thinner. New symptoms can appear after the initial event, even when the injury seemed minor.
If a hematoma has already been diagnosed, follow the discharge instructions and return precautions from the treating team. Improvement does not replace the need for scheduled follow-up.
Why a symptom list is not a diagnosis
Headache, confusion, and imbalance have many causes. A website cannot sort them. The useful action is knowing which changes are emergencies, bringing a clear timeline to a clinician, and making sure the actual CT or MRI images are available for review.
Sources & further reading
Educational content from Neurovascular Centers. Individual treatment decisions require a clinical examination and review of your imaging.