Work

Transient Loss of Consciousness due to Increased Intracranial Pressure in a Patient with Lumbar Pseudomeningocele: A Case Report and Literature Review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) refers to the sudden, temporary disturbance of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery. Little is known about acute changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) as a possible cause of TLOC. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 78-year-old man with recurrent episodes of TLOC due to raised ICP triggered by mechanical compression of a large postoperative lumbar pseudomeningocele. The video-electroencephalogram (EEG) showed sudden flattening distinctly different from EEG changes seen in cardiovascular TLOC. Conclusion: Our EEG observations suggest that a sudden increase in ICP should be considered as a potential cause of TLOC, particularly after spinal surgery.

Source: Case Reports in Neurology

DOI: 10.1159/000549865

Authors: Dominik Zieglgänsberger, Tolga D. Dittrich

Institutions: Kantonsspital St. Gallen, University of Basel

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,030