APA Dictionary of Psychology

bleeding that occurs outside the dura mater, the outermost of the three protective membranes (meninges) that cover the brain. It usually involves a ruptured artery resulting from a severe head injury, such as a skull fracture. There may be a brief lucid period after the injury, then severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and finally death if the hemorrhage is not controlled. Also called epidural hemorrhage.