Systemic pathology: subdural haematoma: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Systemic pathology: subdural haematoma

Sample item

A 65-year-old alcoholic man has increasing drowsiness and confusion two weeks after a minor fall. CT shows a crescent-shaped collection over the cerebral convexity that crosses suture lines. Which vessels are torn?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Bridging veins

Subdural haematoma follows tearing of bridging veins that cross the subdural space, and brain atrophy, ageing and alcohol raise the risk. The crescentic collection spreads freely over the hemisphere and is limited only by dural reflections.

Option by option

  • A. Middle meningeal artery

    Middle meningeal artery rupture causes a lens-shaped epidural collection that does not cross sutures.

  • B. Lenticulostriate arteries

    Lenticulostriate artery bleeding causes deep intraparenchymal haemorrhage in hypertensives.

  • C. Bridging veins (correct)

    Correct. Torn bridging veins bleed slowly into the subdural space and give a crescent over the convexity.

  • D. Berry aneurysm at the circle of Willis

    A berry aneurysm bleeds into the subarachnoid space, with sudden severe headache.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Bridging veins. Subdural haematoma follows tearing of bridging veins that cross the subdural space, and brain atrophy, ageing and alcohol raise the risk.

Why is "Middle meningeal artery" not the answer?

Middle meningeal artery rupture causes a lens-shaped epidural collection that does not cross sutures.

Why is "Lenticulostriate arteries" not the answer?

Lenticulostriate artery bleeding causes deep intraparenchymal haemorrhage in hypertensives.

Why is "Berry aneurysm at the circle of Willis" not the answer?

A berry aneurysm bleeds into the subarachnoid space, with sudden severe headache.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Systemic pathology: subdural haematoma in Pathology. The crescentic collection spreads freely over the hemisphere and is limited only by dural reflections.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Systemic pathology: subdural haematoma?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.