The development of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) following evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a very rare phenomenon. SAH in this context occurring secondary to intracranial aneurysm rupture is still rare. We report a case of an elderly lady who presented with right hemiplegia and altered sensorium. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed a left fronto-temporoparietal CSDH with midline shift, which was promptly evacuated surgically via a single burr-hole. Postoperatively, her level of consciousness deteriorated and there was increased the amount of drain. Emergency CT of the brain revealed diffuse SAH. CT cerebral angiogram revealed one aneurysm each in the right internal carotid artery and anterior communicating artery. Meanwhile, her consciousness level improved on conservative management. The relatives were not keen for further follow-up.

Background:Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions. It is mostly a disease of elderly population with very little data about the young patients. There is also the debate regarding treatment strategies. We decided to determine the overall efficacy of the single burr-hole craniostomy (SBHC) for unilateral CSDH in young adults <40 years.Subjects and Methods:We performed a retrospective study of young patients undergoing SBHC for unilateral CSDH between January 2013 and June 2016 at our institution. Medical records were assessed based on patient characteristics in the form of sex of the patient, etiology, presenting symptoms, comorbidities, and signs including Glasgow Coma Scale, computed tomography (CT) brain findings (site and thickness of SDH with midline shift), and intraoperative presence of chronic/subacute component.Results:Mean age of the patient was 33.69 years (range 18–40 years), mean thickness of SDH was 15.47 mm, and mean midline shift was 11.26 mm. 61.54% patients were male, trauma being the most common etiology (92.31%) with most common presenting complaint being headache (90.38% patients). 69.23% patients presented within 1 day of onset of symptoms. On CT scan, most of the patients were having SDH thickness between 11 and 20 mm (67.31%) with midline shift of 6–10 mm (53.85%). Right-sided SDH was present in 53.85%. Intraoperatively, 63.46% patients had subacute SDH whereas 34.61% had chronic component. There were total 2 recurrences (3.85%).Conclusions:Young adults who present with unilateral CSDH usually have a history of trauma. They have shorter duration of symptoms and present mainly with the features of raised intracranial pressure such as headache and vomiting. SBHC with irrigation and drainage has excellent result for unilateral CSDH in young adults compared to other methods of drainage and should be considered treatment of choice unless contraindicated.

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