Chronic Subdural Hematoma Presenting as Transient Neurologic Deficits JOSEPH E. WELSH, M.D., H. RICHARD WINN, M.D.,
GEORGE W. TYSON,
M.D.,
AND JOHN A. JANE, M.D.,
PH.D.
SUMMARY Four patients with symptoms of transient neurological dysfunction were subsequently found to have chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). The frequency of these episodes diminished significantly after evacuation of the hematoma. The effects of vascular compromise due to the CSDH and to cardiovascular events, more commonly implicated in transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) may be additive. The inclusion of a computerized axial tomographic (CAT) scan in the evaluation of some patients with presumed TIAs is recommended. Stroke Vol 10, No 5, 1979
ALTHOUGH chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) present in a protean fashion, they are rarely confused with TIAs. 15 The fluctuating signs and symptoms of CSDH, seen in a significant percentage of patients,6 are usually superimposed on lesser persistent neurologic deficits. In contrast, the definition of a TIA necessitates complete resolution of symptoms between episodes of vascular insufficiency.7 We have recently encountered 4 patients whose presentation was typical of TIAs, but, who, on further evaluation, were found to have CSDHs. After the CSDHs were evacuated, their symptoms ceased. The advent of aspirin therapy for TIAs, contra-indicated in CSDHs, prompted presentation of the following patients.
Patient 2
A right-handed 80-year-old woman experienced multiple 5-10 min attacks of difficulty talking and writing over a 4-day period. She was admitted after these symptoms had persisted for 24 h. Two months before, she had transiently lost consciousness during a motor vehicle accident. During her admission examination, the patient had a 10 min episode of global dysphasia. Carotid pulses were symmetric and without bruits. Examination was otherwise unremarkable except for a right sixth nerve palsy, which had been present since her automobile accident. Directional Doppler showed adequate antegrade flow in both ophthalmic arteries. Lumbar puncture was normal except for a cerebrospinal fluid protein of 64 mg%. Bilateral carotid angiography demonstrated a left fronto-parietal subdural hematoma but no stenotic or ulcerated lesions of the cervical or intracranial portions of the internal carotid arteries (fig. la, lb, lc). A chronic subdural hematoma was evacuated through left frontal and posterior parietal burr holes. On the seventh postoperative day, the patient became abruptly dysphasic. Immediate re-opening of the burr holes revealed a small reaccumulation of the hematoma. Following evacuation, her symptoms initially improved. During the next 24 h, she had multiple episodes of global dysphasia. A left fronto-parietal craniotomy disclosed a large, gelatinous subdural hematoma. Two days later, the patient again became dysphasic. Another small subdural hematoma was evacuated, the overlying dura was excised, and the bone flap removed. The patient has been asymptomatic for 18 months.
Case Reports Patient 1
Six months prior to admission, a right-handed 53year-old man experienced abrupt onset of difficulty talking and right arm weakness. These symptoms resolved after 30 min. On the day prior to admission, the patient had 3 similar episodes. The only history of head trauma was a cerebral concussion sustained 16 years before. Examination disclosed a mild expressive dysphasia and right upper extremity paresis. Carotid pulses were strong and symmetric and there were no bruits. Precordial examination was normal. No retinal emboli were seen. Hemoglobin, white blood cell count, electrolytes, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, and skull radiographs were normal. A technetium brain scan showed increased uptake over the left convexity. Bifrontal and left posterior parietal burr holes were placed. Thick external membranes were encountered and a large left-sided chronic subdural hematoma was drained. The patient was asymptomatic for the next 18 months, but then had a 20 min episode of expressive dysphasia. General physical and neurologic examinations performed shortly after the attack were normal, as was a CAT scan. For the past 12 months he has had no further episodes of transient neurologic dysfunction.
Patient 3: Three months prior to admission, a 73-year-old right-handed, hypertensive man became dizzy and then lost consciousness. A second episode 2 months later was accompanied by urinary and fecal incontinence. During the week prior to admission, he had 4 episodes of transient difficulty talking. Physical examination revealed bilateral soft carotid bruits, a grade III/VI mid systolic murmur, and a mild right lower facial paresis. Lumbar puncture showed 20 red blood cells/mm3 and a protein of 118
From the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908. 564
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
CHRONIC SUBDURAL HEMATOMA/fKe&A el at.
FIGURE la (Patient 2): An anteroposterior view ofa transfemoral left carotid injection. Left-to-right shift of the anterior cerebral arteries, in addition to a left convexity mass, is apparent.
mg/dl. A CAT scan demonstrated a subdural hematoma over the left fronto-parietal convexity (fig. 2a, 2b). Thick membranes were found beneath left frontal and posterior parietal burr holes. A small quantity of subdural fluid was evacuated. Postoperatively, loss of vibratory sensation and astereognosis on the right side prompted further studies. A repeat CAT scan was normal. An electroencephalogram showed scattered infrequent slow waves over the left convexity. The signs of parietal lobe dysfunction gradually resolved and the patient has been asymptomatic for 20 months.
565
FIGURE lb (Patient 2): A later phase ofthe angiogram seen in fig. la clearly delineates the mass.
The prothrombin time was 24 seconds (control = 11.5 seconds). The patient was given intramuscular vitamin K and also fresh frozen plasma. Bilateral frontal and posterior parietal burr holes revealed a right chronic subdural hematoma and a left subdural hygroma. Percutaneous aspiration of the subdural space was performed postoperatively because of a persistent mild left upper extremity paresis and hypalgesia. No further hematoma was evacuated. Gradual, but
Patient 4: An 81-year-old right-handed male physician was admitted following several 10-30 min episodes of difficulty talking, accompanied by tingling and weakness in the left upper extremity. Similar symptoms had occurred 2 weeks prior to admission. The patient had chronic hypertension and intermittent claudication. Additionally, he had been treated with Coumadin after 2 myocardial infarctions. Admission examination demonstrated a mild dysarthria and a left hemiparesis and hemihypalgesia. Bilateral carotid bruits and a 11/VI systolic ejection murmur were noted. Repeat neurological examination 2 hours after admission was normal. Skull radiographs showed a 4 mm shift of the pineal gland from left to right. Brain scan demonstrated increased uptake over the right fronto-parietal convexity and possibly over the left parietal convexity as well (fig. 3).
FIGURE lc (Patient 2): A lateral view of the left carotid injection to show the absence ofintra- or extracranial vascular disease.
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
S66
STROKE
2a (Patient 3): An unenhanced CAT scan cut through the body of the lateral ventricles shows a left extracerebralfluidcollection. FIGURE
significant, neurologic improvement was noted during his subsequent hospitalization. He was discharged on the 9th postoperative day with only minor weakness in his left arm. He has been asymptomatic over the ensuing 4 years. Discussion
Unlike most patients with CSDHs who present with impairment of level of consciousness and/or mentation, our patients showed only transient signs of focal cerebral dysfunction. In 1733, Schwenke gave the first description of this phenomenon.8 Review of our own and 6 other reported cases (table) show that dysphasia is almost always part of the presentation. Loeb found dysphasia in 62% of patients with TIAs. However McKissock10 reported dysphasia in only 18% of his patients with CSDHs. Transient neurologic dysfunction has been reported with extracerebral masses, although the pathophysiology remains unclear.1"-11U Melamud2 suggested 3 possibilities: 1) compression of vessels subjacent to the Ant
L Lat
R.Lat
P
A
VOL 10, No
5, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
1979
FIGURE 2b (Patient 3): A higher cut of the CAT scan seen infig.2a showing the upper extent of the left convexity fluid.
hematoma, 2) post-ictal cortical suppression, and 3) spreading cortical depression after mechanical stimulation of the cortex. McLaurin18 postulated that neurologic deterioration in patients with chronic subdural hematomas is sometimes due to increases in regional cerebral edema and not to hematoma enlargement. He also demonstrated that minor changes in vascular displacement are sometimes accompanied by major changes in clinical signs and symptoms. Therefore, a transient increase in regional swelling may cause a critical degree of vascular displacement and consequent ischemia. The focality and transience of the symptoms may be due to local differences in both venous and arterial collateral circulation. We cannot exclude the possibility that these patients with CSDHs had coincidental TIAs. However, the fact that symptoms did not recur in 3 of 4 patients after evacuation of the CSDH suggests a causal relationship. Regional cerebral bloodflow(rCBF) measurements in areas adjacent to CSDHs have not been performed. A diffuse hemispheric decrease in flow has been noted Post
FIGURE 3 (Patient 4): The late sequence of a technetium brain scan showing increased uptake over the right and possibly left parietal convexities.
P L
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
CHRONIC SUBDURAL HEMATOMA/WeM et al. TABLE Patients
Summary of Published Cases of CSDHs Presenting as Transient Neurologic Deficits Age
Cause of CSDH
Case 1
53
Unknown
Case 2
80
Case 3
73
Head injury with 6th nerve palsy 2 months PTA Unknown
Case 4
81
Coumadin
Groch1
59
Melamud2
59
Head injury 2 weeks PTA Unknown
Okihiro3
44
Robin4
64
Head injury 6 weeks PTA Head injury
65
Head injury
?
Head injury
Endtz 8
567
Presenting signs and symptoms
Expressive dysphasia, right upper extremity paresis Expressive dysphasia
Follow-up: Duration and neurologic status
3 years: one episode of transient dysphasia 13^ years: Asymptomatic
Expressive dysphasia, right 2 years: Asymptomatic lower facial paresis, incontinence Dysarthria, left hemiparesis 4 years: persistent mild left upper extremity paresis and hemihypalgesia Global dysphasia, right Postoperative recovery hemiparesis Expressive dysphasia, right 6 months: Asymptomatic hand paresthesias Expressive dysphasia, right Postoperative recovery hand paresthesias Complete recovery after a Post-CSDH evacuation; second evacuation expressive dysphasia, right upper extremity and facial paresis Post-CSDH evacuation; Spontaneous resolution expressive dysphasia, right hemiparesis Dysphasia, right hemiparesis, Death: autopsy verification of a chronic hygroma amaurosis, drop attacks
by Brodersen,16 but the finding was thought to be secondary to reduced metabolic demand and not ischemia. CSDHs may cause a noncritical decrease in rCBF that lowers the threshold for regional ischemia due to global decreases in CBF or to regional emboli. The effects of CSDH and cardiovascular phenomena responsible for transient cerebral ischemia may thus be additive, with neither alone causing a critical decrease in rCBF. Barnett17 has recently demonstrated that aspirin therapy decreases the incidence of TIAs in some groups of men. However, any type of anticoagulant therapy is contra-indicated in patients with a CSDH because such treatment may encourage hemorrhage from the hematoma capsule. Weisberg6 reported that the incidence of unsuspected intracranial structural lesions may be as high as 15% in patients who are thought to have TIAs. We therefore recommend that a CAT scan be considered in all patients with suspected TIAs before instituting any type of anticoagulation therapy. SDHs that appear isodense on CAT scan may suggest an improper diagnosis. However, with continuous infusion contrast enhancement and careful review of the lateral ventricular contour most of these cases can be solved.18 References 1. Groch SN, Hurwitz LJ, Wright IS: Intracranial lesions simulating cerebral thrombosis. JAMA 172: 1469-1472, 1968 2. Melamud E, Lavy S, Reches A, Sabar A: Chronic subdural hematoma simulating transient ischemic attacks. J Neurosurg 42: 101-103, 1975 3. Okihiro MM, Daly D, Yoss RE: Intermittent aphasia due to mass intracranial lesions. Proc Staff Meet Mayo Clin 36:
525-529, 1961 4. Robin JJ, Maxwell JA, Pitkethly DT: Chronic subdural hematoma simulating transient ischemic attacks. Ann Neurol 4: 154, 1978 5. Weisberg LA, Nice CN: Intracranial tumors simulating the presentation of cerebrovascular syndromes. Early detection with cerebral computed tomography. Am J Med 63: 517-524, 1977 6. Cameraon MM: Chronic subdural hematoma: A review of 114 cases. Jr Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 41: 834-839, 1978 7. Toole JE, Cole M: Ischemic cerebrovascular disease. In Baker AB, Baker CH (eds): Clinical Neurology, Volume 1, Hagerstown, Harper and Row, 1977, p 10 8. Endtz LJ: Historical Article. Post-traumatic hygroma in the Eighteenth Century. Described by Thomas Schwenke. Surg Neurol 10: 305-307, 1978 9. Loeb C, Priano A, Albano L: Clinical features and long term follow-up of patient with reversible ischemic attacks. Acta Neurol Scand 57: 471-480, 1978 10. McKissock W, Richardson A, Bloom W: Subdural hematoma. A review of 389 cases. Lancet I: 1365-1370, 1960 11. Daley DD, Svien JH, Yoss RE: Intermittent cerebral symptoms with meningiomas. Arch Neurol 5: 287-293, 1961 12. Fincham RW, Worrell JB: Remitting signs in cerebral mass lesions. Am Fam Phys 7: 96-100, 1973 13. Fowler GW: Meningioma and intermittent aphasia of 44 years duration. J Neurosurg 33: 100-102, 1970 14. Raskind R, Weiss S: Pathologic diagnosis of stroke. Angiology 20: 224-235, 1969 15. McLaurin RL: Contributions of angiography to the pathophysiology of subdural hematomas. Neurology (Minneap) 15: 866-873, 1965 16. Brodersen P, Gjerris F: Regional cerebral blood flow in patients with chronic subdural hematomas. Acta Neurol Scand 51: 238-239, 1975 17. Barnett HJM, McDonald JWD, Sockett DL: Aspirin—effective in males threatened with stroke. Stroke 9: 295-298, 1978 18. Tsai FY, Huprich JE, Segall HD, Teal JS: The contrastenhanced CT scan in the diagnosis of isodense subdural hematoma. J Neurosurg 50: 64-69, 1979
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
Chronic subdural hematoma presenting as transient neurologic deficits. J E Welsh, G W Tyson, H R Winn and J A Jane Stroke. 1979;10:564-567 doi: 10.1161/01.STR.10.5.564 Stroke is published by the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 Copyright © 1979 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0039-2499. Online ISSN: 1524-4628
The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the World Wide Web at: http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/10/5/564
Permissions: Requests for permissions to reproduce figures, tables, or portions of articles originally published in Stroke can be obtained via RightsLink, a service of the Copyright Clearance Center, not the Editorial Office. Once the online version of the published article for which permission is being requested is located, click Request Permissions in the middle column of the Web page under Services. Further information about this process is available in the Permissions and Rights Question and Answer document. Reprints: Information about reprints can be found online at: http://www.lww.com/reprints Subscriptions: Information about subscribing to Stroke is online at: http://stroke.ahajournals.org//subscriptions/
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
GEORGE W. TYSON,
M.D.,
AND JOHN A. JANE, M.D.,
PH.D.
SUMMARY Four patients with symptoms of transient neurological dysfunction were subsequently found to have chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). The frequency of these episodes diminished significantly after evacuation of the hematoma. The effects of vascular compromise due to the CSDH and to cardiovascular events, more commonly implicated in transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) may be additive. The inclusion of a computerized axial tomographic (CAT) scan in the evaluation of some patients with presumed TIAs is recommended. Stroke Vol 10, No 5, 1979
ALTHOUGH chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) present in a protean fashion, they are rarely confused with TIAs. 15 The fluctuating signs and symptoms of CSDH, seen in a significant percentage of patients,6 are usually superimposed on lesser persistent neurologic deficits. In contrast, the definition of a TIA necessitates complete resolution of symptoms between episodes of vascular insufficiency.7 We have recently encountered 4 patients whose presentation was typical of TIAs, but, who, on further evaluation, were found to have CSDHs. After the CSDHs were evacuated, their symptoms ceased. The advent of aspirin therapy for TIAs, contra-indicated in CSDHs, prompted presentation of the following patients.
Patient 2
A right-handed 80-year-old woman experienced multiple 5-10 min attacks of difficulty talking and writing over a 4-day period. She was admitted after these symptoms had persisted for 24 h. Two months before, she had transiently lost consciousness during a motor vehicle accident. During her admission examination, the patient had a 10 min episode of global dysphasia. Carotid pulses were symmetric and without bruits. Examination was otherwise unremarkable except for a right sixth nerve palsy, which had been present since her automobile accident. Directional Doppler showed adequate antegrade flow in both ophthalmic arteries. Lumbar puncture was normal except for a cerebrospinal fluid protein of 64 mg%. Bilateral carotid angiography demonstrated a left fronto-parietal subdural hematoma but no stenotic or ulcerated lesions of the cervical or intracranial portions of the internal carotid arteries (fig. la, lb, lc). A chronic subdural hematoma was evacuated through left frontal and posterior parietal burr holes. On the seventh postoperative day, the patient became abruptly dysphasic. Immediate re-opening of the burr holes revealed a small reaccumulation of the hematoma. Following evacuation, her symptoms initially improved. During the next 24 h, she had multiple episodes of global dysphasia. A left fronto-parietal craniotomy disclosed a large, gelatinous subdural hematoma. Two days later, the patient again became dysphasic. Another small subdural hematoma was evacuated, the overlying dura was excised, and the bone flap removed. The patient has been asymptomatic for 18 months.
Case Reports Patient 1
Six months prior to admission, a right-handed 53year-old man experienced abrupt onset of difficulty talking and right arm weakness. These symptoms resolved after 30 min. On the day prior to admission, the patient had 3 similar episodes. The only history of head trauma was a cerebral concussion sustained 16 years before. Examination disclosed a mild expressive dysphasia and right upper extremity paresis. Carotid pulses were strong and symmetric and there were no bruits. Precordial examination was normal. No retinal emboli were seen. Hemoglobin, white blood cell count, electrolytes, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, and skull radiographs were normal. A technetium brain scan showed increased uptake over the left convexity. Bifrontal and left posterior parietal burr holes were placed. Thick external membranes were encountered and a large left-sided chronic subdural hematoma was drained. The patient was asymptomatic for the next 18 months, but then had a 20 min episode of expressive dysphasia. General physical and neurologic examinations performed shortly after the attack were normal, as was a CAT scan. For the past 12 months he has had no further episodes of transient neurologic dysfunction.
Patient 3: Three months prior to admission, a 73-year-old right-handed, hypertensive man became dizzy and then lost consciousness. A second episode 2 months later was accompanied by urinary and fecal incontinence. During the week prior to admission, he had 4 episodes of transient difficulty talking. Physical examination revealed bilateral soft carotid bruits, a grade III/VI mid systolic murmur, and a mild right lower facial paresis. Lumbar puncture showed 20 red blood cells/mm3 and a protein of 118
From the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908. 564
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
CHRONIC SUBDURAL HEMATOMA/fKe&A el at.
FIGURE la (Patient 2): An anteroposterior view ofa transfemoral left carotid injection. Left-to-right shift of the anterior cerebral arteries, in addition to a left convexity mass, is apparent.
mg/dl. A CAT scan demonstrated a subdural hematoma over the left fronto-parietal convexity (fig. 2a, 2b). Thick membranes were found beneath left frontal and posterior parietal burr holes. A small quantity of subdural fluid was evacuated. Postoperatively, loss of vibratory sensation and astereognosis on the right side prompted further studies. A repeat CAT scan was normal. An electroencephalogram showed scattered infrequent slow waves over the left convexity. The signs of parietal lobe dysfunction gradually resolved and the patient has been asymptomatic for 20 months.
565
FIGURE lb (Patient 2): A later phase ofthe angiogram seen in fig. la clearly delineates the mass.
The prothrombin time was 24 seconds (control = 11.5 seconds). The patient was given intramuscular vitamin K and also fresh frozen plasma. Bilateral frontal and posterior parietal burr holes revealed a right chronic subdural hematoma and a left subdural hygroma. Percutaneous aspiration of the subdural space was performed postoperatively because of a persistent mild left upper extremity paresis and hypalgesia. No further hematoma was evacuated. Gradual, but
Patient 4: An 81-year-old right-handed male physician was admitted following several 10-30 min episodes of difficulty talking, accompanied by tingling and weakness in the left upper extremity. Similar symptoms had occurred 2 weeks prior to admission. The patient had chronic hypertension and intermittent claudication. Additionally, he had been treated with Coumadin after 2 myocardial infarctions. Admission examination demonstrated a mild dysarthria and a left hemiparesis and hemihypalgesia. Bilateral carotid bruits and a 11/VI systolic ejection murmur were noted. Repeat neurological examination 2 hours after admission was normal. Skull radiographs showed a 4 mm shift of the pineal gland from left to right. Brain scan demonstrated increased uptake over the right fronto-parietal convexity and possibly over the left parietal convexity as well (fig. 3).
FIGURE lc (Patient 2): A lateral view of the left carotid injection to show the absence ofintra- or extracranial vascular disease.
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
S66
STROKE
2a (Patient 3): An unenhanced CAT scan cut through the body of the lateral ventricles shows a left extracerebralfluidcollection. FIGURE
significant, neurologic improvement was noted during his subsequent hospitalization. He was discharged on the 9th postoperative day with only minor weakness in his left arm. He has been asymptomatic over the ensuing 4 years. Discussion
Unlike most patients with CSDHs who present with impairment of level of consciousness and/or mentation, our patients showed only transient signs of focal cerebral dysfunction. In 1733, Schwenke gave the first description of this phenomenon.8 Review of our own and 6 other reported cases (table) show that dysphasia is almost always part of the presentation. Loeb found dysphasia in 62% of patients with TIAs. However McKissock10 reported dysphasia in only 18% of his patients with CSDHs. Transient neurologic dysfunction has been reported with extracerebral masses, although the pathophysiology remains unclear.1"-11U Melamud2 suggested 3 possibilities: 1) compression of vessels subjacent to the Ant
L Lat
R.Lat
P
A
VOL 10, No
5, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
1979
FIGURE 2b (Patient 3): A higher cut of the CAT scan seen infig.2a showing the upper extent of the left convexity fluid.
hematoma, 2) post-ictal cortical suppression, and 3) spreading cortical depression after mechanical stimulation of the cortex. McLaurin18 postulated that neurologic deterioration in patients with chronic subdural hematomas is sometimes due to increases in regional cerebral edema and not to hematoma enlargement. He also demonstrated that minor changes in vascular displacement are sometimes accompanied by major changes in clinical signs and symptoms. Therefore, a transient increase in regional swelling may cause a critical degree of vascular displacement and consequent ischemia. The focality and transience of the symptoms may be due to local differences in both venous and arterial collateral circulation. We cannot exclude the possibility that these patients with CSDHs had coincidental TIAs. However, the fact that symptoms did not recur in 3 of 4 patients after evacuation of the CSDH suggests a causal relationship. Regional cerebral bloodflow(rCBF) measurements in areas adjacent to CSDHs have not been performed. A diffuse hemispheric decrease in flow has been noted Post
FIGURE 3 (Patient 4): The late sequence of a technetium brain scan showing increased uptake over the right and possibly left parietal convexities.
P L
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
CHRONIC SUBDURAL HEMATOMA/WeM et al. TABLE Patients
Summary of Published Cases of CSDHs Presenting as Transient Neurologic Deficits Age
Cause of CSDH
Case 1
53
Unknown
Case 2
80
Case 3
73
Head injury with 6th nerve palsy 2 months PTA Unknown
Case 4
81
Coumadin
Groch1
59
Melamud2
59
Head injury 2 weeks PTA Unknown
Okihiro3
44
Robin4
64
Head injury 6 weeks PTA Head injury
65
Head injury
?
Head injury
Endtz 8
567
Presenting signs and symptoms
Expressive dysphasia, right upper extremity paresis Expressive dysphasia
Follow-up: Duration and neurologic status
3 years: one episode of transient dysphasia 13^ years: Asymptomatic
Expressive dysphasia, right 2 years: Asymptomatic lower facial paresis, incontinence Dysarthria, left hemiparesis 4 years: persistent mild left upper extremity paresis and hemihypalgesia Global dysphasia, right Postoperative recovery hemiparesis Expressive dysphasia, right 6 months: Asymptomatic hand paresthesias Expressive dysphasia, right Postoperative recovery hand paresthesias Complete recovery after a Post-CSDH evacuation; second evacuation expressive dysphasia, right upper extremity and facial paresis Post-CSDH evacuation; Spontaneous resolution expressive dysphasia, right hemiparesis Dysphasia, right hemiparesis, Death: autopsy verification of a chronic hygroma amaurosis, drop attacks
by Brodersen,16 but the finding was thought to be secondary to reduced metabolic demand and not ischemia. CSDHs may cause a noncritical decrease in rCBF that lowers the threshold for regional ischemia due to global decreases in CBF or to regional emboli. The effects of CSDH and cardiovascular phenomena responsible for transient cerebral ischemia may thus be additive, with neither alone causing a critical decrease in rCBF. Barnett17 has recently demonstrated that aspirin therapy decreases the incidence of TIAs in some groups of men. However, any type of anticoagulant therapy is contra-indicated in patients with a CSDH because such treatment may encourage hemorrhage from the hematoma capsule. Weisberg6 reported that the incidence of unsuspected intracranial structural lesions may be as high as 15% in patients who are thought to have TIAs. We therefore recommend that a CAT scan be considered in all patients with suspected TIAs before instituting any type of anticoagulation therapy. SDHs that appear isodense on CAT scan may suggest an improper diagnosis. However, with continuous infusion contrast enhancement and careful review of the lateral ventricular contour most of these cases can be solved.18 References 1. Groch SN, Hurwitz LJ, Wright IS: Intracranial lesions simulating cerebral thrombosis. JAMA 172: 1469-1472, 1968 2. Melamud E, Lavy S, Reches A, Sabar A: Chronic subdural hematoma simulating transient ischemic attacks. J Neurosurg 42: 101-103, 1975 3. Okihiro MM, Daly D, Yoss RE: Intermittent aphasia due to mass intracranial lesions. Proc Staff Meet Mayo Clin 36:
525-529, 1961 4. Robin JJ, Maxwell JA, Pitkethly DT: Chronic subdural hematoma simulating transient ischemic attacks. Ann Neurol 4: 154, 1978 5. Weisberg LA, Nice CN: Intracranial tumors simulating the presentation of cerebrovascular syndromes. Early detection with cerebral computed tomography. Am J Med 63: 517-524, 1977 6. Cameraon MM: Chronic subdural hematoma: A review of 114 cases. Jr Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 41: 834-839, 1978 7. Toole JE, Cole M: Ischemic cerebrovascular disease. In Baker AB, Baker CH (eds): Clinical Neurology, Volume 1, Hagerstown, Harper and Row, 1977, p 10 8. Endtz LJ: Historical Article. Post-traumatic hygroma in the Eighteenth Century. Described by Thomas Schwenke. Surg Neurol 10: 305-307, 1978 9. Loeb C, Priano A, Albano L: Clinical features and long term follow-up of patient with reversible ischemic attacks. Acta Neurol Scand 57: 471-480, 1978 10. McKissock W, Richardson A, Bloom W: Subdural hematoma. A review of 389 cases. Lancet I: 1365-1370, 1960 11. Daley DD, Svien JH, Yoss RE: Intermittent cerebral symptoms with meningiomas. Arch Neurol 5: 287-293, 1961 12. Fincham RW, Worrell JB: Remitting signs in cerebral mass lesions. Am Fam Phys 7: 96-100, 1973 13. Fowler GW: Meningioma and intermittent aphasia of 44 years duration. J Neurosurg 33: 100-102, 1970 14. Raskind R, Weiss S: Pathologic diagnosis of stroke. Angiology 20: 224-235, 1969 15. McLaurin RL: Contributions of angiography to the pathophysiology of subdural hematomas. Neurology (Minneap) 15: 866-873, 1965 16. Brodersen P, Gjerris F: Regional cerebral blood flow in patients with chronic subdural hematomas. Acta Neurol Scand 51: 238-239, 1975 17. Barnett HJM, McDonald JWD, Sockett DL: Aspirin—effective in males threatened with stroke. Stroke 9: 295-298, 1978 18. Tsai FY, Huprich JE, Segall HD, Teal JS: The contrastenhanced CT scan in the diagnosis of isodense subdural hematoma. J Neurosurg 50: 64-69, 1979
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
Chronic subdural hematoma presenting as transient neurologic deficits. J E Welsh, G W Tyson, H R Winn and J A Jane Stroke. 1979;10:564-567 doi: 10.1161/01.STR.10.5.564 Stroke is published by the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 Copyright © 1979 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0039-2499. Online ISSN: 1524-4628
The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the World Wide Web at: http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/10/5/564
Permissions: Requests for permissions to reproduce figures, tables, or portions of articles originally published in Stroke can be obtained via RightsLink, a service of the Copyright Clearance Center, not the Editorial Office. Once the online version of the published article for which permission is being requested is located, click Request Permissions in the middle column of the Web page under Services. Further information about this process is available in the Permissions and Rights Question and Answer document. Reprints: Information about reprints can be found online at: http://www.lww.com/reprints Subscriptions: Information about subscribing to Stroke is online at: http://stroke.ahajournals.org//subscriptions/
Downloaded from http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ by guest on April 10, 2016
