Parkinsonsim due to a Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Parkinsonism is a neurological disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
• Subdural hematoma, a collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid mater, is an uncommon cause of parkinsonian symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of parkinsonism secondary to subdural hematoma.
• To highlight the potential for neurosurgical intervention to reverse such symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 78-year-old male with new-onset, right-side dominant parkinsonism.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to diagnose a left-sided chronic subdural hematoma.
• Neurosurgical evacuation of the subdural hematoma.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with parkinsonian features approximately 3 months post-head injury.
• MRI confirmed a left chronic subdural hematoma causing mild midline shift.
• Post-evacuation, parkinsonian symptoms significantly improved, resolving without antiparkinsonian drugs.

Conclusions:

• Chronic subdural hematoma is a treatable, albeit rare, cause of reversible parkinsonism.
• Neurosurgical management can effectively restore neurological function in such cases.
• This case underscores the importance of considering subdural hematoma in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism, especially after head trauma.