An epidural hematoma is a fast-growing blood clot between the skull and the outer brain lining. It usually follows a direct blow to the head that may seem minor at first, so early clues are easy to miss.

The classic start is a brief blackout, followed by a “lucid interval.” The person wakes up, talks normally, then drifts downhill again within minutes to hours.

Headache ramps up quickly. It feels like a drum pounding on one side and gets worse with every heartbeat.

Nausea and vomiting come on fast, often with little warning. The sick feeling does not ease after the first throw-up.

Vision blurs or doubles. Lights seem too bright, and the eyes may not track together, so faces appear split.

Weakness shows up on the side opposite the injury. An arm or leg may feel heavy, then refuse to lift at all.

Speech can slow or slur. Words jumble, or the person understands but cannot answer back.

Pupil change is a late red flag. One eye pupil grows larger and does not shrink in bright light.

If pressure keeps rising, the person becomes drowsy, then hard to wake. Snoring breathing and rigid posture signal an emergency.