Shaken adult syndrome or a neurological complication of epidural anesthesia?

Czech version

Authors: A. Bauerová; P. Nosková; J. Bláha
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika anesteziologie, resuscitace a intenzivní medicíny, 1. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy v Praze, a Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice v Praze
Published in: Anest. intenziv. Med., 32, 2021, č. 1, s. 52-54
Category: Case Reports

Overview

Shaken adult syndrome is a diagnosis related to the long-known shaken baby syndrome. However, the existence of this diagnosis in adults is debatable and only a minimal number of cases have been published worldwide so far. This case report describes a patient who underwent a caesarean section under epidural anesthesia and developed neurological symptoms several hours after the procedure, indicating an acute worsening of her recurrent chronic subdural hematoma. Upon closer inspection, it was clarified that she was a long-term physically abused woman with the shaken adult syndrome. The aim of this case report is to point out the fact that not every neurological symptom which manifests itself in close connection with the provided anesthesiological care is directly related to it.

Keywords:

chronic subdural hematoma – postdural puncture headache – Domestic violence

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