Abstract

LOUZADA, Paulo Roberto et al. Bilateral cortical atrophy after severe brain trauma and extradural homatoma. Arq. Neuro-Psiquiatr. [online]. 2007, vol.65, n.4b, pp. 1237-1240. ISSN 0004-282X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X2007000700029.

We report the case of a severe head injured 43-year old male patient with a large extradural hematoma, Glasgow Coma Scale 3 and dilated fixed pupils. Patient was promptly submitted to surgical evacuation of the lesion, but remained in persistent vegetative state in the post-operative time. Head computed tomography scans performed before surgery, and at early and late post-operative periods comparatively revealed extreme bilateral cortical atrophy. Late consequences of severe head trauma drastically affect the prognosis of patients, being its prevention, and neuroprotection against secondary injury still a therapeutical challenge for neurosurgeons.

Keywords : brain atrophy; extradural hematoma; epidural hematoma; severe head injury; secondary injury.