Neurosurgical management of cerebellar hemorrhage

Controversy remains concerning the management of patients with cerebellar hemorrhage. In this study the records of 42 patients were reviewed. In 60% of them the signs of brainstem compression and upward transtentorial herniation were found. The level of consciousness was found to be consistent with the radiologic finding of the ambient cistern on the CT scan. Complete compression of the ambient cistern was always associated with coma, a partially compressed ambient cistern with stupor or drowsiness, while a normally shaped ambient cistern was associated with a normal level of consciousness. Immediate surgical decompression of the posterior fossa was life-saving for patients with brainstem compression and upward transtentorial herniation. Mortality was 57% for comatose patients and 9% for drowsy or stuporous patients. Ventriculostomy alone is the treatment of choice in cases with only hydrocephalus without brainstem compression or transtentorial herniation.