Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Perspective on Subdural Membranes and Dementia

Objective To review the complex pathogenesis of the subdural membrane and the link between head trauma, dementia, and dural lymphatics. Methods A thorough literature search of published English-language articles was performed using PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. Results Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common intracranial pathology and a leading cause of reversible dementia. cSDH is projected to affect at least 60,000 new individuals in the United States annually by 2030. This condition can result from mild to moderate head trauma that leads to hemorrhaging in the dura-arachnoid interface. The short-term and long-term effects of cSDH and the subdural membrane on the pathogenesis of dementia and the newly discovered dural lymphatics is a topic of increasing importance. Conclusions Further research into the possible link between traumatic brain injury and cSDH in particular and dural lymphatics and intracranial fluid dynamics is warranted.