# Acute brain swelling due to intraoperative supratentorial subdural hematoma during microvascular decompression: a case report

**Authors:** Jia Shi, Jiachao Cao, Qiang Zhou

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1643743 · Frontiers in Surgery · 2025-10-24

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare but dangerous complication during brain surgery and how it was successfully managed to ensure patient recovery.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel case report and insights into managing a rare intraoperative complication during microvascular decompression.

## Key findings

- Acute brain swelling occurred due to intraoperative supratentorial subdural hematoma during MVD.
- Effective intracranial pressure management led to successful surgery and favorable patient recovery.
- The case highlights the need for vigilance in handling this rare but severe complication.

## Abstract

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the primary treatment for cranial neurovascular compression syndromes. The most critical complication is hemorrhage during or after surgery. Although intraoperative supratentorial subdural hematoma (SDH) is uncommon, its management remains complex and lacks standardization.

We report a case of acute brain swelling caused by an intraoperative supratentorial subdural hematoma during microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia. By effectively managing intracranial pressure and preventing secondary brain injury, the operation was successfully completed, resulting in a favorable postoperative recovery for the patient.

This study examines the presentation and management of acute brain swelling caused by intraoperative supratentorial subdural hematoma (SDH). We aim to highlight the importance of being vigilant for this rare complication during microvascular decompression (MVD), as it can result in fatal brain swelling and encephalocele. Preventing and managing this severe complication remains challenging.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** trigeminal neuralgia (MONDO:0008599)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** encephalocele (MESH:D004677), hemorrhage (MESH:D006470), trigeminal neuralgia (MESH:D014277), brain swelling (MESH:D001929), neurovascular compression syndromes (MESH:D009408), brain injury (MESH:D001930), SDH (MESH:D006408)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592028/full.md

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592028/full.md

## References

21 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592028/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592028