Overview
Hindbrain contusion refers to injury to the posterior fossa of the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as severe headaches due to hindbrain herniation into the foramen magnum, causing craniospinal pressure dissociation 1.Diagnosis
Symptoms may include episodic, severe, and disabling headaches with specific characteristics 1.
Clinical examination and CT scanning may be normal 1.
Myelography can demonstrate hindbrain herniation or Arnold-Chiari deformity 1.Management
Surgical decompression of the foramen magnum can lead to complete resolution of headaches 1.Key Recommendations
Recognize hindbrain herniation as a cause of severe headaches, particularly when clinical examination and CT are normal 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Consider myelography to evaluate for hindbrain herniation or Arnold-Chiari deformity in patients with characteristic headaches 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Surgical decompression of the foramen magnum is recommended for patients with symptomatic hindbrain herniation 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Nightingale S, Williams B. Hindbrain hernia headache. Lancet (London, England) 1987. link90366-7)