subdural hemotoma

My friend was struck by a car.  He was diagnosed with subdural hemotoma and the left front of his head had a huge impact.  The doctors performed surgery whereby his skull was opened and partially removed.  Blood was drained and a small portion of his brain was removed.

As of now, his behavior is as follows:  1) speaks clearly; formation of sentences normal; speech speed the same, but he speaks in a jumbled state; nothing makes sense.  Though he recognizes a few people, he cannot have a normal conversation though the voice and speech has clarity.  2)  He does not realize his accident and the fact that he needs treatment.  3)  Physically his body is fine, but there is weakness in left arm (slight); hand gestures in expressing himself remains the same.   Overall, he has apprehension and has been restrained because he tries to get out of bed and leave the hosptial.  He cannot comprehend ideas nor understand the situation as a whole.  It is now 13 days after surgery and treatment.  

Since the front left side of the brain has been injured and operated on, I was wondering what physical, mental and emotional functions does this part of the brain control?  Perhaps it is too early to judge, but what would be your opinion as to full recovery?   What has been permanently damaged, what normal functions will be retained, if anything.

Thank you for any information you can give.

Sincerely,


Lise'
***@****
  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The various functions controlled by the left frontal brain are:
• Sound input in the human left brain is specialized for discriminating the sounds of language. We can make very fine distinctions in sound, and therefore meaning. For example we can distinguish the difference in sound of "sat" and "sad."
• The left brain senses the right side of the body. These include touch, pain and limb position.
• The creative area of the left frontal lobe rearranges words, concepts, symbols, and memories into new patterns. In effect, this allows us to think up new things to say.
• The lower frontal lobe, above the eyes, has the job of stopping a person from getting into trouble through wrong actions. Because most of our thinking is oral language, this area is important for "talking to our self" and worry.
• The Left premotor area, in upper left front of the forehead, keeps track of sequential patterns -- words, symbols, ideas, that come one after another. This is highly important for humans with symbolic thinking
• The motor area covers the right hand.

Sometimes, patients of brain trauma present with neurological manifestations after treatment also. This depends on the area of brain involved and the extent of damage to that area. These may include temporary or permanent weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, persistent symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

After discharge from the hospital, regular follow up by a neurologist is essential.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case you need more,pls post us.

Take care.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Subdural hematomas are usually accompanied by extensive primary brain injury.
Direct parencymal injury can result in weakness on the same side as the hematoma as in his case it is on the left side.
It is very difficult to tell the exact time for recovery. Many cases of subdural hematomas in young patients have a favorable outcome.
Hope this helps!