Transient Locked-in Syndrome and Basilar Artery Vasospasm

Abstract

Background  

Cerebral vasospasm is the main cause of neurological mortality and morbidity following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Basilar artery vasospasm (BAVS) is associated with a high morbidity and may have multiple clinical presentations.

Methods  

We report the case of a 43 years-old man with BAVS presenting as a reversible locked-in syndrome (LIS) after stopping sedation.

Results  

The symptoms were successfully managed by intra-arterial infusion of vasodilators and balloon angioplasty. Magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any brainstem lesion 48 h after the complication, demonstrating a hemodynamic mechanism.

Conclusion  

LIS can reveal BAVS. Its diagnosis relies on clinical examination. In this case, rapid neuro-interventional treatment permitted reversal of symptoms. This could not have been possible under sedation.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Practical Pearl
• Pages 1-3
• DOI 10.1007/s12028-011-9655-z
• Authors
  • G. Lacroix, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sainte Anne Teaching Military Hospital, Toulon, France
  • D. Couret, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aix-Marseille University, 13284 Marseille, France
  • X. Combaz, Department of Neuroradiology, Aix-Marseille University, 13284 Marseille, France
  • B. Prunet, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sainte Anne Teaching Military Hospital, Toulon, France
  • N. Girard, Department of Neuroradiology, Aix-Marseille University, 13284 Marseille, France
  • N. Bruder, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aix-Marseille University, 13284 Marseille, France

• Journal Neurocritical Care
• Online ISSN 1556-0961
• Print ISSN 1541-6933

http://www.springerlink.com/content/c7626515x7645736/

Sent with MobileRSS for iPhone

Júlio Leonardo B. Pereira

http://lattes.cnpq.br/7687651239699170

http://www.neurocirurgiabr.org

http://www.neurocancer.com