# Superficial Siderosis After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report

**Authors:** Brian G Nudelman, Marianne Cortes, Aditya Sapasetty, Raphael Khella, Danielle Katz

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55314 · Cureus · 2024-03-01

## TL;DR

A 53-year-old man developed superficial siderosis after a traumatic brain injury, and his symptoms improved after surgical treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the importance of diagnosing superficial siderosis in patients with a history of traumatic brain injury.

## Key findings

- A 53-year-old male with traumatic brain injury was diagnosed with superficial siderosis.
- Surgical repair resolved the patient's symptoms caused by a pseudomeningocele.
- Early detection and intervention may prevent neurological deterioration in similar cases.

## Abstract

Superficial siderosis (SS) is a rare condition in which chronic accumulation of the blood in the subarachnoid space over time leads to the buildup of hemosiderin deposits, which in turn cause neurological dysfunction in those affected. While reversibility of the damage done by this condition is nearly impossible, early detection can allow for immediate surgical intervention and thus prevent further progression of ataxia, hearing loss, and other neurological deficits caused by SS. We present a case of a 53-year-old male who was successfully diagnosed with SS secondary to a chronic post-traumatic pseudomeningocele and underwent surgical repair with the resolution of his symptoms. We aim to encourage more extensive workups for common neurological dysfunctions such as tinnitus or vertigo in patients who have a history of traumatic brain injury or any significant motor vehicle accidents.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** superficial siderosis (MONDO:0016594), ataxia (MONDO:0000437), tinnitus (MONDO:0700322)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** tinnitus (MESH:D014012), SS (MESH:D012806), hearing loss (MESH:D034381), vertigo (MESH:D014717), ataxia (MESH:D001259), neurological deficits (MESH:D009461), motor vehicle accidents (MESH:D000081084), Traumatic Brain Injury (MESH:D000070642)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10981843/full.md

## References

8 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10981843/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10981843