This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by JACKSON, F. E. Articles by BACK, J. B. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by JACKSON, F. E. Articles by BACK, J. B.

(Stroke. 1970;1:278.)
© 1970 American Heart Association, Inc.

---

Delayed Arterial Spasm and Thrombosis as a Cause of Post-Traumatic Hemiplegia (Spate Thrombosis)

FREDERICK E. JACKSON MC, USN¹ JAMES B. BACK MC, USNR²

¹ Department of Neurological Surgery, Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California
² Department of Neurological Surgery, Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California; University Hospital, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506

The case of a Marine in whom a vertex epidural hematoma developed, depressing the superior sagittal sinus as a result of a fracture of the vertex of the skull, is presented. The hematoma was removed, and the patient did well until signs of progressive right hemiparesis suddenly developed two days after the hematoma removal. Serial carotid angiography demonstrated the interval development of spaism of the left internal carotid, anterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries, and occlusion of the posterior parietal branch of the left middle cerebral artery. Prior to the development of the arterial spasm an earlier angiogram had shown these vessels to be of normal diameter.

This delayed or "spate" spasm and thrombosis of major intracranial vessels is a rare but serious complication of head injuries.

In addition to the usual causes of post-traumatic hemiplegias, this vascular spasm or thrombosis should be suspected in patients in whom progressive neurological signs develop after head injuries.

Key Words: epidural hematoma • skull fracture • cerebral infarction • middle cerebral distribution

This article has been cited by other articles:

				K. Loga Muthu Krishnan, T.S. Kanaka, and V. Bala Subramaniam Post-Traumatic Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion: Case Report and Review Angiology, September 1, 1977; 28(9): 648 - 652. [PDF]