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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Akira Toriyama, the creator of the famous manga “Dragon Ball” died on March 1, at the age of 68. An acute subdural hematoma is believed to be the cause of his death. What is this ? What are the differences with extradural hematoma? Explanations from Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
Manga fans are in mourning. On March 1, Akira Toriyama, the creator of “Dragon Ball,” the famous Japanese manga, died. According to his publishing house and studio, Akira Toriyama passed away due to an acute subdural hematoma. “We are sincerely saddened to inform you that manga creator Akira Toriyama died on March 1st from an acute subdural hematoma. He was 68 years old. published Bird Studio, an entity founded by the mangaka, in a press release on X.
What is an acute subdural hematoma?
“Subdural and extradural hematomas are two types of hemorrhages that occur within the skull but in different locations, each with distinct causes, mechanisms and clinical implications” first explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek. There are several differences between the two. Here are the differences.
The localisation
- The subdural hematoma forms between the dura mater, the outer layer of the meninges which surrounds the brain) and the arachnoid, which is the middle layer of the meninges.
- The extradural hematoma, also called epidural, is located between the dura mater and the skull.
The cause
- A subdural hematoma is often caused by “a rupture of the veins passing through the subdural space, usually as a result of head trauma which causes these veins to be stretched or torn” underlines the specialist. It can also occur spontaneously in elderly people or people taking anticoagulants.
- Extradural hematoma, for its part, is “usually caused by arterial injury, often the middle meningeal artery, following a skull fracture” notes the expert. Trauma is therefore more often associated with this type of hematoma.
Age and risk factors
- A subdural hematoma can occur at any age, but “more commonly in older people, chronic alcoholics, or those taking blood thinners” indicates Gérald Kierzek.
- Extradural hematoma, for its part, is “more common in young adults or children, often following head trauma with skull fracture“.
Rate of progression and symptoms
- A subdural hematoma can be acute, subacute, or chronic. “Acute hematomas develop quickly, over hours to days, while chronic forms can take several weeks to develop, often with more subtle symptoms” the emergency doctor moves forward again.
- Extradural hematomausually develops quickly, over a period of hours to two days, because it arises from arterial hemorrhage. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness followed by a period of lucidity, then rapid deterioration“.
Both can present with similar symptoms such as headache, confusion, vomiting, paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and in severe cases, leading to coma or death. However, the speed of onset and progression of symptoms can vary.
The treatment
- A subdural hematoma requires treatment that “can vary from careful monitoring for minor cases to surgery to evacuate the hematoma in more severe cases” further explains the medical director of Doctissimo.
- An extradural hematoma often requires “urgent surgery to drain the blood and reduce pressure on the brain”.
In summary, concludes Gérald Kierzek, “The distinction between a subdural and extradural hematoma lies mainly in the location, cause, and speed of progression. Both conditions are serious and require immediate medical evaluation“.