f the blood clots breaking loose and causing arterial restriction in the achnoid layer leading to a possible subdural hemorrhage.An extradural hemorrhage by itself is a life threatening condition that is usually only treatable by immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the brain. Even when the surgery is performed in time permanent brain damage can result. Seizures have been known to persist for up to six months after the injury or appear up to two years after surgery. The middle layer of the meninges is the arachnoid. It is a thin membrane similar in appearance to a spider's web. The potential space between the dura mater and the arachnoid is the subdural space. A hemorrhage into this space is referred to as a subdural hemorrhage. These hemorrhages are usually the result of a tear in one of the small veins, which traverses the space between the brain and the dura mater. Here the damage done is much the same as an extradural hemorrhage.The pia mater is the innermost layer. It is the most delicate and adhered directly to the surface of the brain. The space between the arachnoid and the pia mater is the subarachnoid space. A hemorrhage into this space is referred to as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A hemorrhage in this area of the brain is not as severe as an extradural or subdural hemorrhage. When the bleeding occurs in this area the blood is released into the brain so there is not a much swelling. Increased activity can cause more bleeding if the hemorrhage has not been stopped. If left untreated this condition can result in permanent brain damage and possible stroke. Correction by surgery to drain the blood off the brain is usually required.Mentioned earlier was the possibility of spinal injury as a result of violently shaking a baby. The vertebrae that give flexibility to the neck are the top five in the spinal column, these are the cervical vertebrae. There are eight pairs of nerves in this region of the spine, called ...
