Medical treatment strategies for subdural haematoma are undergoing marked reassessment as demand for less invasive options accelerates. Recent clinical reporting has drawn attention to non-surgical approaches for subacute subdural haematoma (sASDH), catering to patients unable or unwilling to undergo operative intervention. The global subdural haematoma treatment market , valued at over $1.7 billion in 2025, is projected to exceed $3 billion by 2034, with significant growth attributed to therapeutic expansion and an ageing population.
Historically, emergency surgery has been the mainstay for acute subdural haematoma. However, research from Capital Medical University Beijing and Tianjin Medical University indicates a shift: non-surgical interventions, notably combining atorvastatin with dexamethasone, may deliver comparable safety and efficacy for select patient cohorts. The implications are considerable for both clinical practice and sector growth.
Growing Preference for Non-Surgical Management
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The prevalence of sASDH and chronic subdural haematoma has sustained interest in minimally invasive treatment, especially as conservative options show promise for patients with medical or socio-economic barriers to surgery. Analysis of 1,374 ASDH and sASDH cases receiving non-surgical treatment reveals that more than 80% did not progress to delayed surgery. Although approximately 19% faced a poor prognosis and 7% died, these results suggest a considerable proportion of patients can benefit from conservative management .
Professor Rongcai Jiang, senior author of the latest clinical report, summarises: ‘More than 80% of the patients did not need delayed surgery; this further illustrates that patients with ASDH/sASDH can have a good prognosis with conservative treatment in certain cases’.
Atorvastatin and Dexamethasone: Evidence for Therapeutic Efficacy
The five-case series, published in the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal (2 April 2025), investigated the efficacy of daily oral atorvastatin (20 mg) alongside a tapering dose of dexamethasone over four weeks in sASDH. Patients, aged 30 to 97, including individuals with comorbid conditions such as atrial fibrillation and haemophilia, reported full resolution of haematoma within six months and no recurrence. These outcomes reinforce earlier phase-II trials in chronic subdural haematoma .
Citing pathophysiological similarities with chronic subdural haematoma, Prof Jiang explained the rationale: ‘Considering that sASDH and chronic SDH share highly similar pathological and clinical characteristics, we speculate that atorvastatin combined with low-dose dexamethasone may be safe and effective for sASDH patients initially selecting nonsurgical therapy’.
Mechanistic Insights and Industry Implications
Preclinical data suggest atorvastatin modulates inflammatory pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and supporting vascular repair. This fosters haematoma absorption without surgical intervention. In the context of the subdural haematoma treatment market, these findings may promote increased adoption of medical therapies, particularly for elderly patients or those with surgical contraindications. Search volumes for related terms such as chronic subdural haematoma , subdural haematoma treatment without surgery , and subacute subdural haematoma treatment reflect sustained interest and clinical need.
With the market set to grow at over 6% CAGR through 2034 and a rise in the population over 60, the industry is seeing broadening patient demand for life expectancy after subdural haematoma.
Competitive Context and Future Outlook
Global and regional reports highlight a competitive environment fuelled by ongoing research and investment in non-surgical subdural haematoma therapies. Pharmaceutical interventions, including corticosteroids and statins, are under review for regulatory approval and broader integration into clinical guidelines .
This new evidence places institutions such as Capital Medical University and Tianjin Medical University at the forefront of a sector shift. However, experts caution that widespread adoption requires further confirmation through randomised clinical trials and real-world studies. As Prof Jiang concludes, ‘the nonsurgical treatment strategy of atorvastatin plus dexamethasone is safe and effective. It is recommended to conduct further randomised proof-of-concept clinical trials to verify its efficacy’.
Ultimately, advancing drug-based treatments for subacute subdural haematoma aligns with wider sector efforts to individualise care, balance clinical outcomes with patient preference, and reduce reliance on high-risk procedures. As research progresses and market stakeholders respond, conservative approaches seem set to become an integral focus of subdural haematoma management in coming years.
