Levodopa-responsive parkinsonism following central herniation due to bilateral subdural hematomas

A 66-year-old man suffered bilateral subdural hematomas progressing to central herniation, despite repeated surgical evacuations. This eventually resolved, leaving him with a severe parkinsonian syndrome that was responsive to levodopa. MRI and CT showed midbrain compression from central herniation, and a follow-up MRI revealed thinning of the pars compacta. The clinical and radiologic evidence suggested that midbrain compression from central herniation was the probable cause of parkinsonism in this patient.