Which type of bleeding is associated with an epidural hematoma?

An epidural hematoma is typically associated with a rapid arterial bleed. This type of bleeding occurs due to damage to the middle meningeal artery, which runs just beneath the skull. When there is a traumatic injury to the head, particularly a skull fracture, the arterial blood can quickly accumulate in the epidural space between the skull and the outer layer of the meninges. The rapid accumulation of blood can lead to increased intracranial pressure and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The key characteristic of the bleed's speed and the arterial source distinguishes it from other types of bleeding, such as venous, capillary, or lymphatic bleeding, which have different mechanisms and rates of accumulation.