What anatomical structures are involved with the source of bleeding in a subdural hematoma?

A subdural hematoma typically arises from the rupture of bridging veins, which are the veins that traverse the space between the surface of the brain and the dural sinuses. These veins are particularly vulnerable to tearing, especially in situations involving acceleration-deceleration injuries, such as those often seen in falls or vehicular accidents. When these veins rupture, blood collects between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater in the subdural space, leading to a hematoma.

Understanding the mechanics of how a subdural hematoma develops is essential. Bridging veins can become stretched or torn due to rapid movement of the brain relative to the skull, especially in older individuals where the brain may be more mobile due to atrophy. This is a significant factor contributing to the development of subdural hematomas as one ages.

In contrast, the middle meningeal artery is more commonly associated with epidural hematomas, as its injury from skull fractures typically leads to a different type of bleeding located outside the dura mater. Similarly, while cerebral arteries and perforating arteries may be involved in other types of intracranial hemorrhages, they are not the primary source of bleeding for subdural hematomas. The distinct etiology and location