Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Presenting as Progressive Gait Impairment

Abstract

Orthostatic headache is a hallmark symptom of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). However, SIH can manifest without headache, which can lead to a significant delay in treatment initiation. We hereby report a 70-year-old male with progressive gait disturbance and superficial siderosis. Magnetic resonance myelography showed an extensive extradural cerebrospinal fluid collection in the cervicothoracic spine. After a series of targeted epidural blood patch, the patient’s symptoms significantly improved. SIH should be considered as a potential cause of otherwise unexplained superficial siderosis to prompt an early diagnosis and treatment.