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Multiple subdural hematomas associated with breakdancing
Insights
A teenage breakdancer experienced persistent headaches and vision changes due to multiple subdural hematomas and a cyst. Prompt surgical removal led to a full recovery, highlighting the need to consider head injuries in young athletes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Adolescent breakdancer with a 3-month history of worsening headache.
- Presentation of newly identified papilledema, indicating increased intracranial pressure.
Observation:
- Four distinct, unilateral extracranial collections identified in the patient.
- Surgical exploration revealed three subdural hematomas and one arachnoid cyst with hematoma content.
Findings:
- Complete surgical excision of all four extracranial collections.
- Patient experienced an uneventful recovery with no lasting neurological deficits.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for serious head injury in breakdancing.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering traumatic etiologies for headaches in young athletes.
- Underscores the effectiveness of surgical intervention for complex extracranial hematomas.
Abstract:
A 17-year-old, previously healthy, male breakdancer presented with a three-month history of crescendo headache and newly identified papilledema. The patient was found to have four separate, unilateral extracranial collections. At surgery, three were subdural hematomas, and one was a probable arachnoid cyst containing a hematoma. These were removed, and the patient made an uneventful recovery with no neurosurgical sequelae. The possibility of serious head injury must be considered when evaluating headache in youngsters who engage in this new and apparently popular dance form.