8 RiversideHealthcare.org In early 2023, Marlo Beeman noticed a strange problem with her right hand. “It would go limp three times or four times a day,” says Beeman, who was also experiencing unusual headaches. “I couldn’t pick up anything, grasp a pen or write. That was, to me, so bizarre.” Beeman suspected she had carpal tunnel syndrome. She shared her symptoms with hand and orthopedic surgeon Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, CIME, of Riverside Medical Group, who had recently treated Beeman for another condition. As she listened to Beeman describe her symptoms, Dr. Crawford’s radar went off. Beeman’s symptoms seemed less like carpal tunnel syndrome than a potential issue with her spine or her brain—perhaps even a mini-stroke or a lesion on the brain. After performing a neurologic exam, Dr. Crawford arranged for Beeman to undergo a diagnostic MRI scan that very day. The scan revealed a subdural hematoma, an abnormal accumulation of blood between the surface of the brain and its protective covering. This blood, or a clot formed from it, can press on the brain, sometimes triggering symptoms like the hand weakness Beeman experienced. Undetected and untreated subdural hematomas can lead to worsening symptoms and, in rare cases, paralysis or even death. Chronic subdural hematomas, like Beeman’s, often occur slowly after a mild head injury. About two months before her symptoms started, Beeman had accidentally walked headfirst into a glass door while leaving a restaurant. Her brain injury likely resulted from that minor trauma. Dr. Crawford is humble about her role in diagnosing Beeman’s serious condition, though she acknowledges it was a “big catch.” Beeman puts it this way: “She saved my life.” ‘I was not afraid’ The next day, Beeman met with neurosurgeon Jehad Zakaria, MD, of Riverside Neurosurgery Specialists. “They were absolutely marvelous,” Beeman says. “Once I talked to Dr. Zakaria and his team, I was not afraid.” Not every subdural hematoma requires surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. “But in her particular case, because she was symptomatic and the size of the subdural hematoma was quite large, I felt that the safest option was to remove this for her,” Dr. Zakaria says. A ‘big catch’ SAVED Marlo’s life A routine appointment revealed she had a brain bleed Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, CIME Jehad Zakaria, MD
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