It started with a simple fall—nothing dramatic, nothing extraordinary.
An 83-year-old woman lost her balance and hit the ground from just over a meter high.
A minor tumble, something most of us wouldn’t think twice about.
But inside her skull, something catastrophic was happening.
A CT scan revealed an acute subdural hematoma—one of the most lethal brain injuries known to medicine.
A subdural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the dura mater—the thick, protective membrane beneath the skull—and the surface of the brain.
This narrow space, known as the subdural space, is normally filled with veins and cerebrospinal fluid.
But when those veins tear due to trauma, blood begins to leak and clot, creating immense pressure inside the skull.
This pressure doesn’t just cause pain—it can crush the brain against the inside of the skull, leading to irreversible damage, coma, or death if not treated swiftly.
The silent nature of this injury is what makes it so deadly. Symptoms can take hours or even days to appear.
A person may seem fine initially, only to deteriorate rapidly.
Headaches, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness are early warning signs that a brain bleed may be underway.
A High-Stakes Race Against Time
In the case of this elderly patient, Mexican neurosurgeon Carlos A. Rodríguez-Alverez knew that time was not on her side.
The only way to save her life was to relieve the pressure immediately—a task that required one of the most intense, precise, and high-stakes procedures in all of medicine: emergency brain surgery.
Rodríguez-Alverez made an incision through the scalp and carefully drilled into the skull, exposing the dura mater beneath.
Then, with a surgical instrument resembling a miniature garden hose, he removed the clotted blood in a single, fluid motion.
The sight was both grisly and fascinating—a literal sweep of death from the surface of the brain.
Watching this procedure unfold in real-time is nothing short of mesmerizing.
The sheer precision, the delicate maneuvering, and the high stakes involved make neurosurgery one of the most awe-inspiring fields in medicine.
But Here’s the Shocking Part…
Most people assume that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) come from violent car crashes or major head trauma, but that’s not always the case.
In reality, falls—especially minor ones—are the leading cause of subdural hematomas in elderly patients.
A simple misstep, a slip in the bathroom, or a seemingly harmless trip over a rug can be just as deadly as a high-speed accident.
In fact, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that more than 80% of subdural hematomas in older adults result from falls.
And the danger doesn’t stop there—patients who survive one hematoma are at significantly higher risk of developing another.
Why Are Elderly People More at Risk?
The aging brain is more fragile than you might think.
As we age, our brains shrink slightly, which increases the space between the brain and skull.
This means that when an older person falls, their brain has more room to shift, making those delicate veins in the subdural space even more vulnerable to tearing.
Additionally, blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin and warfarin) commonly prescribed to older adults increase the risk of excessive bleeding, making even minor head injuries far more dangerous.
What You Can Do Right Now
Since falls are the primary cause of subdural hematomas in the elderly, preventing them is the best line of defense.
Here are some simple but effective steps to reduce fall risk:
- Eliminate trip hazards: Secure loose rugs, install handrails, and improve lighting in dim areas.
- Strengthen balance and mobility: Activities like yoga, Tai Chi, and gentle strength training can improve stability and prevent falls.
- Check medications: Certain medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of a fall.
- Use assistive devices: If needed, canes, walkers, and grab bars can provide extra stability.
- Regular eye exams: Poor vision is a significant contributor to falls, so ensuring proper eyesight is crucial.
A Second Chance at Life
Thanks to the rapid response of Dr. Rodríguez-Alverez and his team, the 83-year-old woman survived.
Her hematoma was removed before it could cause irreversible damage, and she was given a second chance at life.
But not everyone is so lucky.
Subdural hematomas are called the silent killer for a reason.
The symptoms often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Recognizing the warning signs, acting quickly, and taking preventive measures can mean the difference between life and death.
Want to see this incredible procedure for yourself?
Dr. Rodríguez-Alverez has an entire YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing the unbelievable world of neurosurgery—a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the profession that quite literally saves lives.
Your takeaway?
Falls aren’t just inconvenient—they can be deadly.
And sometimes, the difference between survival and tragedy is knowing when to act.
Sources: Gizmodo, CDC, Journal of Neurosurgery
