PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the most commonly affected artery in an epidural hematoma?

1. Anterior cerebral artery

2. Middle meningeal artery

3. Posterior cerebral artery

4. Basilar artery

The correct answer is: Middle meningeal artery

The middle meningeal artery is the most commonly affected artery in cases of epidural hematomas due to its anatomical location. This artery runs within the layers of the meninges, specifically in the epidural space, which is positioned between the outermost layer of the meninges (the dura mater) and the skull. When there is trauma to the head, especially in cases of skull fractures, the middle meningeal artery can be torn, leading to the accumulation of blood in the epidural space. Epidural hematomas are characterized by a classic lens-shaped appearance on imaging studies and are often associated with a lucid interval where the patient may initially lose consciousness but then regain it before deterioration occurs. The rapid accumulation of blood from the damaged middle meningeal artery creates significant pressure on the brain, leading to potential neurological deficits if not promptly treated. Other arteries such as the anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and basilar artery are typically not involved in epidural hematomas. They are located deeper within the cranial cavity and are more commonly associated with different types of hemorrhages, such as subdural hematomas or intracerebral hemorrhages, thereby making the middle meningeal artery the primary artery of concern in epid