Posttraumatic Uncal Herniation in a Conscious Patient
Atef Ben Nsir1, Quoc-Anh Thai2, Badii Hmida1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia.
World Neurosurgery
|August 29, 2017
Summary
Traumatic oculomotor nerve palsy, often linked to severe head injuries and unconsciousness, is rare. This case highlights a complete third nerve palsy from uncal herniation after trauma, occurring without loss of consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Primary traumatic oculomotor nerve palsies occur in ~1.2% of craniocerebral trauma cases.
- These injuries are typically persistent and associated with consciousness loss, neurological deficits, and fractures.
Observation:
- A rare case of complete left third nerve palsy following head trauma is presented.
- The palsy resulted from uncal herniation, a serious brain condition.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a complete oculomotor nerve palsy without any loss of consciousness.
- This contrasts with the typical presentation of such injuries.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of oculomotor nerve palsy mechanisms after trauma.
- It suggests that uncal herniation can cause third nerve palsy even without impaired consciousness.
