E-Mail A commonly-used treatment for chronic subdural haematoma - the build-up of 'old' blood in the space between the brain and the skull, usually as a result of minor head injury - could lead to a worse outcome than receiving no medication, suggests new research from the University of Cambridge. Chronic subdural haematoma is one of the most common neurological disorders and mainly affects older people. People affected often have headaches, deteriorating memory, confusion, balance problems or limb weakness. Surgery to drain the liquid collection is effective with the majority of patients improving. A commonly used steroid, dexamethasone, has been used alongside surgery or instead of it since the 1970s. However, consensus has been lacking regarding the use of dexamethasone, especially since no high-quality studies confirming its effectiveness had been conducted until now.