Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS)
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS). This is intracranial hypotension following neurosurgery. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Pathology
- This is intracranial hypotension following neurosurgery
- It may follow cranial or spinal surgery
- It is due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage
- It results in intracranial venous congestion
Clinical features
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Computed tomography (CT) head
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain: features
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References
- Chidambaram S, Swong K, Ander M, Nockels RP. Pseudohypoxic brain swelling after uncomplicated lumbar decompression and fusion for spondylolisthesis. World Neurosurg 2020; 133:155-158.
- Parpaley Y, Urbach H, Kovacs A, Klehr M, Kristof RA. Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (postoperative intracranial hypotension-associated venous congestion) after spinal surgery: report of 2 cases. Neurosurgery 2011; 68:E277-E283.
- Van Roost D, Thees C, Brenke C, Oppel F, Winkler PA, Schramm J. Pseudohypoxic brain swelling: a newly defined complication after uneventful brain surgery, probably related to suction drainage. Neurosurgery 2003; 53:1315-1326.
