Acute Subdural Haematoma Demonstrating Midline Shift:

Midline shift >5mm
Intracranial haematoma - non evacuated
Cortical contusion >1cm in diameter
Obliteration of 3rd Ventricle (not seen - refer to normal CT scan)

This CT scan shows a right sided acute haematoma, as well as an associated cerebral contusion (bruising). The true midline has been outlined by yellow dots and you can see that the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles have been pushed over to the left. In addition, the third ventricle is now not visible and it is also extremely difficult to make out the basal cisterns. This scan demonstrates four of the features which are included on the Early Outcome Form, namely midline shift greater than 5mm, intracranial haematoma - non evacuated, cortical contusion greater than 1cm in diameter and obliteration of the third ventricle. This haematoma requires surgical evacuation, otherwise deterioration of the patient's condition is inevitable.