Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome after Decompressive Craniotomy

Sinking skin-flap syndrome is a rare complication of a skull defect after craniotomy. A 69-year-old woman visited our hospital and was diagnosed with a left middle cerebral artery infarction. Decompressive craniotomy was performed for cerebral herniation on the following day. However, on day 25 of hospitalization her mental status worsened and her scalp appeared sunken. This case suggests that sinking skin-flap syndrome can develop from a skull defect after decompressive craniotomy.