Classic progression of epidural hematoma includes which sequence?

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Epidural hematoma classically results from a fast arterial bleed that rapidly expands and raises pressure in the brain. After the initial loss of consciousness at injury, patients often have a lucid interval where they seem to recover and appear neurologically normal. As the hematoma enlarges, it exerts increasing mass effect, leading to rapid neurological deterioration. This sequence—initial loss of consciousness, a period of lucidity, then sudden decline—is the hallmark pattern. Gradual progression over weeks fits a chronic subdural hematoma, and having no neurological symptoms would be inconsistent with an evolving epidural hematoma.