J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2013; 74(S 01): e116-e118
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326941
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Akinetic Mutism and Parkinsonism due to Subdural and Intraventricular Tension Pneumocephalus

Götz Lütjens
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
,
H. Holger Capelle
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
,
Joachim K. Krauss
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

11 April 2012

01 July 2012

Publication Date:
15 January 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Pneumocephalus may occur after intracranial surgery and is most often asymptomatic. It is usually associated with posterior fossa surgery. Here, we present a 56-year-old man who developed akinetic mutism and parkinsonism caused by subdural and intraventricular tension pneumocephalus associated with decompression of a chronic subdural hygroma. As an emergency treatment, air was exchanged with saline via the drainage, which then was removed and a subduro-peritoneal shunt was implanted. The condition described here requires immediate attention and appropriate treatment.