Related Experiment Videos
Subdural hematoma presenting as headache in systemic lupus erythematosus
G Bovim1, S Jørstad, H Schrader
1Department of Neurology, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause neurological issues. A case study suggests subdural hematomas, a treatable cause of severe headaches in SLE patients, may be underdiagnosed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently impacts the nervous system, affecting up to 75% of patients.
- Neurological manifestations in SLE range widely, presenting diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A female patient with SLE experienced severe headache, psychiatric disturbances, and paraparesis.
- Neuroimaging revealed bilateral subdural hematomas as the underlying cause.
Findings:
- Surgical evacuation of the subdural hematomas led to complete resolution of the patient's neuropsychiatric symptoms, including headache.
- This case suggests that subdural hematomas may be an underreported complication in SLE.
Implications:
- Subdural hematomas are a potentially fatal but treatable cause of neurological symptoms in SLE.
- Repeated neuroradiological investigations are recommended for SLE patients presenting with persistent headaches.