Extradural haematoma complicating lumbar puncture following a craniotomy. A case report.
BACKGROUND
This case report illustrates the development of an intracranial extradural haematoma (EDH) as an uncommon complication of a lumbar puncture.


METHODS
A 10-year-old girl operated for intra-third ventricular cysticercosis developed postlumbar puncture headache after a drainage lumbar puncture (LP) on the 7th postoperative day. CT scan revealed a right frontal EDH away from the operative site.


METHODS
The child was managed conservatively in view of her preserved sensorium.


RESULTS
The child had an uneventful recovery. Follow-up CT scans showed resolution of the haematoma.


CONCLUSIONS
LP, though considered to be a safe procedure, may rarely be associated with a potentially lethal intracranial haematoma, which can be managed successfully if diagnosed at an early stage.
Mohanty
A
A
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
Vasudev
M K
MK
Chandra
P S
PS
D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003399:Craniotomy; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed