SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-G-Force Folly: Rollercoasters as a Potential Cause for Subdural Hematoma

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This case report highlights a possible link between roller coaster rides and subdural hematoma (SDH). The authors recommend considering SDH in patients who develop headache, nausea, or vomiting after visiting an amusement park.<br /><br />The case describes a 55-year-old woman with one week of worsening headache after riding a roller coaster. Her medical history was notable for a prior non-traumatic right-sided subdural hematoma years earlier related to cocaine use. In this episode, urine drug screening was negative and coagulation tests were normal. Head CT revealed a 1.2 cm left-sided subacute-to-chronic subdural hematoma with 9 mm midline shift. She underwent burr hole drainage, which improved the midline shift to 2–3 mm. Her hospital course was uncomplicated, and she was discharged home after four days.<br /><br />The discussion explains that roller coasters may contribute to SDH through strong gravitational and shearing forces, in a mechanism similar to shaken baby syndrome. The authors also note that alcohol, which is commonly available at amusement parks, may reduce the cardiovascular system’s ability to respond to G-force stress, potentially increasing risk.<br /><br />Overall, the report emphasizes that clinicians should include subdural hematoma in the differential diagnosis when patients present with neurologic symptoms after roller coaster exposure.

Asset Subtitle

John P. Janousek

Meta Tag

Author List Benjamin Goodman, Christian W. Law, John P. Janousek, Kanishk D. Sharma

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Subdural Hematoma

Concept Headache

Concept Nausea

Concept Vomiting

Concept Shearing Force

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Eastern Virginia Medical School

Presenting Author John P. Janousek

Track Adult

Keywords

roller coaster

subdural hematoma

headache

nausea

vomiting

amusement park

head CT

burr hole drainage

midline shift

neurologic symptoms

Subdural Hematoma

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Shearing Force