Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: An Etiology for Consciousness Disorder and Coma

A A Case Rep. 2016 Nov 15;7(10):207-211. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000385.

Abstract

We report 3 cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) associated with consciousness disorder and coma. In patients, SIH was suspected on a computed tomography scan and diagnosed by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spinal MRI confirmed cerebrospinal fluid leakage. SIH should be seen as an underestimated cause of consciousness disorder and coma, especially in patients with a history of orthostatic headache, spinal injury, or oculomotor signs. Computed tomography scans should be examined for signs of SIH before operating on patients with a spontaneous subdural hematoma. Brain and spine MRI should be performed when SIH is suspected. Our 3 patients have shown good recovery without any neurological sequelae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / complications*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / diagnostic imaging
  • Coma / diagnostic imaging
  • Coma / etiology*
  • Consciousness Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Consciousness Disorders / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hypotension / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Hypotension / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged