Dementia Caused by Post-traumatic Hydrocephalus Showing Marked Improvement After a Shunt Operation

ABSTRACT

A few cases of dementia caused by posttraumatic hydrocephalus have been reported. A 75-year-old man was admitted to hospital for the evaluation of cognitive impairment and gait disturbance of 2 weeks duration. The patient had been involved in a car accident 50 days prior to his admission. A brain MRI revealed significant hydrocephalus. His score on the Korean version of the Mini Mental State Examination was 14/30, and a neuropsychological assessment revealed severe impairments in all domains. A lumboperitoneal shunt operation was performed. His global cognitive functions and daily activities were fully recovered after the procedure.