Maya Therattil, MD, Bhavaniprasad Sabbineni, MD, and Rao Ali, MD. Montefiore Medical Center, NY, Bronx, NY, USA
The patient is a 57-year-old female with 18-year history of multiple sclerosis, complicated by severe bilateral lower extremity spasticity. She had been using oral spasticity medications and had developed adverse effects with significant cognitive problems. Oral medications were replaced by intrathecal baclofen for spasticty that was helpful, and the spasticity improved. 7-months after the initial baclofen pump placement, she underwent replacement of the baclofen pump due to blockage of the spinal part of the catheter. The replacement was done under general anesthesia without any immediate complications. Her spasticity improved significantly and she was able to ambulate with rolling walker at the time of discharge home. However she had a persistent headache post operatively, controlled with pain medications. She was brought to emergency department 19-days after discharge from hospital with worsening headache and mental status changes. CT Scan Brain showed bilateral subdural collections those were drained by bilateral parietal burr holes . Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) leak was also noted from the site of previous spinal catheter of the baclofen pump and CT guided blood patch was performed. Pt was stable status post surgery and follow up CT scans did not show any reaccumulation however she continuously complained of headaches and photophobia, which was worsened after 1 week. Repeat CT scan revealed bilateral subdural hygromas. Multiple CT guided blood patches and brain surgeries were performed to stop CSF leak and evacuate subdural collections that resulted into the development of aphasia, dense right hemiplegia and altered mental status.The CSF leak stopped after repeated blood patches. The Patient was transferred to a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation center. 6-months after these events the patient continues to improve in her motor and cognitive functions and her spasticity was well managed by the intrathecal baclofen. No re accumulations seen on follow up.
References: (1) Van den Berg JS, Sijbrandy SE, Meijer AH, Oostdijk AH.Subdural hygroma: a rare complication of spinal anesthesia. Anesth Analg. 2002 Jun;94(6):1625-7.
(2) Sciubba DM, Kretzer RM, Wang PP.Acute intracranial subdural hematoma following a lumbar CSF leak caused by spine surgery. Spine. 2005 Dec 15; 30(24): E730-2.
(3) Verdú MT, Alonso B, Burguillos S, Martínez-Lage JF. Postpartum subdural hygroma after epidural analgesia. Anesthesiology. 1999 Sep; 91(3): 867-9.
Funding: none
Maya Therattil, MD
Nothing to disclose.