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Child's Nervous System

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01-04-2018 | Original Paper

Secondary intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) presenting as post-traumatic headache in mild traumatic brain injury: a case series

Authors: Tonia Sabo, Charlene Supnet, Sushmita Purkayastha

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Background

Cerebral edema peaks 36–72 h after moderate traumatic brain injury but thought to be uncommon after mild traumatic brain injury. Post-traumatic headache can develop 48–72 h post-injury, perhaps reflecting the developing cerebral edema. Pseudotumor cerebri can result from various causes, including cerebral edema, and is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, headache, visual, and other common symptoms. Our objective was to report a phenotypically identifiable post-traumatic headache subtype.

Case series presentation

This case series of six pediatric patients with post-traumatic pseudotumor cerebri was assessed at 48–120 h post-primary injury with new or a change in symptoms such as headache, vision, auditory, balance, and cognition. Clinical findings included slight fever, neck/head pain, papilledema or cranial nerve deficit (6th), and lack of coordination. Elevated cerebral spinal fluid pressure was documented by lumbar puncture, with no infection. Symptoms improved with treatment specific to post-traumatic headache subtype (lumbar puncture, topiramate, or acetazolamide).

Conclusions

Recognition of specific post-traumatic headache subtypes after mild traumatic brain injury will expedite treatment intervention to lower intracranial pressure and resolve symptoms.

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Title: Secondary intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) presenting as post-traumatic headache in mild traumatic brain injury: a case series
Authors: Tonia Sabo
Charlene Supnet
Sushmita Purkayastha
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-017-3681-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Secondary intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) presenting as post-traumatic headache in mild traumatic brain injury: a case series

Abstract

Background

Case series presentation

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case series presentation

Conclusions

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