Which of the following is a presenting symptom of a subdural hematoma?

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Altered mental status is a common presenting feature of subdural hematoma, especially in older adults after a minor head injury. Blood collecting between the dura and arachnoid slowly increases intracranial pressure and disrupts cortical function, leading to confusion, disorientation, or changes in cognition. This makes confusion the most characteristic initial symptom, particularly in chronic subdural cases. Headache can occur but isn’t the defining presenting sign, and loss of consciousness or nausea may appear with larger or acute bleeds but are less consistently the presenting feature.