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Published on: October 4, 2021
Levodopa-responsive parkinsonism after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Jeremy D Fields1, Justin S Cetas
1Neurosciences Critical Care and Interventional Neuroradiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. fieldsje@ohsu.edu
Parkinsonism can rarely complicate subarachnoid hemorrhage without hydrocephalus. Early levodopa-carbidopa treatment showed a dramatic response in a patient with midbrain abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Levodopa-responsive Parkinsonism is an uncommon sequela of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
- Previous reports have exclusively documented cases associated with hydrocephalus.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old woman presented with severe, progressive Parkinsonism two weeks post-aneurysmal SAH.
- Imaging revealed significant midbrain abnormalities, specifically in the substantia nigra region.
- Hydrocephalus was notably absent in this patient.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited a remarkable clinical improvement following treatment with high-dose levodopa/carbidopa.
- This case demonstrates a delayed-onset Parkinsonism following SAH.
Implications:
- Parkinsonism should be considered as a potential delayed complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- A trial of levodopa-carbidopa therapy is recommended for patients presenting with Parkinsonism after SAH, even without hydrocephalus.
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