Licht traumatisch schedelhersenletsel bij een oudere patiënt met orale antistolling

A 69-year-old woman using oral anticoagulation developed a subdural haematoma several hours after a head trauma. Oral anticoagulation had not been reversed, and home observation had not been instructed properly and was only partially performed. The patient was found unconsciousness the next day. Neurosurgical intervention was no longer deemed beneficial and the patient died a few days later. The use of anticoagulants and an age > 60 years are both risk factors for the development of posttraumatic intracranial haematoma after a head trauma. A waking advice requires good instruction. The instruction should be given verbally as well as in writing, preferably to the patient and to the person who will be carrying out the advice. The management of oral anticoagulation after head injury requires special attention.