What diameter of cerebellar hematoma will require surgical evacuation: (A) > 0.5 cm, (B) > 1 cm, (C) > 2 cm, (D) > 3 cm
Answer is D. Most cerebellar hematomas >3 cm in diameter will require surgical evacuation. If the patient is ale without focal brainstem signs and if the hematoma is <1 cm in diameter, surgical removal is usually unnecessary. Patients with hematomas between 1 and 3 cm require careful observation for signs of impaired consciousness, progressive hydrocephalus, and precipitous respiratory failure.Reference: Harrison 19th edition 2585