Spontaneous intracranial hypotension presenting as mental deterioration

Headache. 2005 Jan;45(1):76-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.t01-1-05013.x.

Abstract

A 55-year-old woman had new onset of postural headache followed by change of mental status 3 weeks later. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and whole spine showed typical spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) findings, bilateral subdural hematoma, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage over the T7-T9. Her headache and mentality improved after epidural blood patches. Early recognition and correct diagnosis are crucial for successful treatment in patients with SIH presenting with mental confusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Patch, Epidural
  • Confusion / etiology
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hypotension / complications*
  • Intracranial Hypotension / therapy
  • Mental Disorders / etiology*
  • Middle Aged