Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What condition results from subdural hematoma?

  1. Collection of blood between brain and skull

  2. Haemorrhage due to vein's rupture

  3. Arterial rupture in the brain

  4. Reduced oxygen supply to brain tissue

The correct answer is: Haemorrhage due to vein's rupture

A subdural hematoma is typically caused by the rupture of bridging veins in the brain. This condition occurs when there is trauma to the head, which can cause these veins to stretch or tear, resulting in bleeding between the dura mater and the brain itself. The accumulation of blood in this space can lead to increased intracranial pressure and other neurological symptoms. While other choices address different types of hemorrhage or complications, they do not accurately describe the mechanism involved in a subdural hematoma. For instance, a collection of blood between the brain and skull refers more to an epidural hematoma, while arterial rupture would imply an epidural or intracerebral hemorrhage. Additionally, reduced oxygen supply to brain tissue, while a potential consequence of significant hemorrhage, is not a direct result of subdural hematoma alone. The defining aspect of subdural hematoma is the venous bleeding that occurs from the rupture of the bridging veins.