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Levodopa-Responsive Parkinsonism After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

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Abstract

Background

Levodopa-responsive Parkinsonism is a rare complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage and no cases have been reported to occur in the absence of hydrocephalus.

Methods

Case report.

Results

We describe a 42-year-old woman who developed progressive severe Parkinsonism in the second week after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. No hydrocephalus was present. Neuroimaging revealed striking abnormalities of the midbrain in the region of the substantia nigra. She was ultimately treated with high dose levodopa/carbidopa with a dramatic response.

Conclusions

This case suggests that Parkinsonism may occur as a delayed complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and that in these patients, a trial of levodopa-carbidopa may be warranted.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurosciences Critical Care and Interventional Neuroradiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Jeremy D. Fields

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Justin S. Cetas

  3. Departments of Neurology and Interventional Neuroradiology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CR-127, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Jeremy D. Fields

Authors
  1. Jeremy D. Fields
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  2. Justin S. Cetas
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jeremy D. Fields.

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Fields, J.D., Cetas, J.S. Levodopa-Responsive Parkinsonism After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Neurocrit Care 13, 235–238 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-010-9398-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-010-9398-2

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