CASE REPORT

Is Prophylactic Anticonvulsant Use Necessary in Chronic Subdural Hematoma? A case report and literature review

O Uso Profilático de Anticonvulsivante é Necessário em Caso de Hematoma Subdural Crônico? Relato de caso e revisão da literatura

  • Carlos Umberto Pereira    Carlos Umberto Pereira
  • Samuel Pedro Pereira Silveira    Samuel Pedro Pereira Silveira
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Resumo

Introdução: Convulsão é incomum ser relatada em paciente com hematoma subdural crônico (HSDC). A incidência de crises convulsivas no pós-operatório da drenagem do HSDC por trepanação (burr-hole) é considerada baixa. O uso profilático de drogas anticonvulsivantes no pré e pós-operatório do HSDC tem sido controverso. Descrição do caso: Homem de 79 anos, alcoolista crônico, que um mês após queda da própria altura apresentou cefaleia, crise convulsiva generalizada, sonolência e hemiparesia esquerda. A tomografia computadorizada de crânio evidenciou hematoma subdural de densidade mista no hemisfério cerebral direito. Foi submetido a drenagem por trepanação, porém apresentou crises convulsivas no pós-operatório imediato, com piora neurológica e evolução para óbito. Método: Relato de caso associado a revisão narrativa da literatura nas bases PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO (1970-2024). Conclusão: O uso de drogas anticonvulsivantes no paciente com HSDC permanece controverso, sem consenso quanto à profilaxia.

Palavras-chave

Hematoma subdural crônico; Estado epiléptico; Anticonvulsivantes; Convulsões

Abstract

Introduction: Seizures are uncommonly reported in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The incidence of seizures in the postoperative period after burr-hole drainage of CSDH is considered low. The prophylactic use of anticonvulsant drugs in the pre- and postoperative period of CSDH remains controversial. Case presentation: We report a 79-year-old man with chronic alcoholism who, one month after a fall from his own height, presented with headache, a generalized seizure, drowsiness, and left hemiparesis. Cranial computed tomography showed a mixed-density subdural hematoma in the right hemisphere. He underwent burr-hole drainage but developed seizures in the immediate postoperative period, with neurological deterioration that progressed to death. Methods: A case report combined with a narrative review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases (1970-2024). Conclusion: The use of anticonvulsant drugs in patients with CSDH remains controversial, and no consensus has been reached regarding prophylaxis.

Keywords

Chronic subdural hematoma; Status epilepticus; Anticonvulsants; Seizures

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1Neurosurgery Division, Universidade Federal do Sergipe – UFS, Aracaju, SE, Brasil.

2Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro – UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brasil.


 

Received Jun 1, 2026 

Accepted Jun 25, 2026


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