Cervical spine epidural hematomas (CSEH) are rare, and surgical intervention is typically required. Here, we present the rare case of a CSEH resulting from chiropractic manipulation successfully treated conservatively. A 44-year-old female with cervical myelopathy presented with a mild quadriparesis following manipulation by a chiropractor. Although magnetic resonance (MR) documented a CSEH, the lesion was treated nonsurgically as the patient refused operative intervention. Four days later, the patient demonstrated spontaneous improvement. Furthermore, the 1-month post manipulation cervical MR showed resolution of the CSEH mass effect, and her myelopathy fully resolved. Few studies document the efficacy of conservative treatment of CSEH. In this case, a patient with cervical myelopathy presented with a mild quadriparesis following chiropractic manipulation. Although MR documented a CSEH, she refused surgery, but fortunately improved neurologically within the next 4 days and was intact within 1 postoperative month. We recommend performing more powerful studies with large sample size to better define criteria for conservative vs. surgical treatment of CSEH.

Malignant transformation of an epidermoid tumour is a rare entity that in almost all patients occurs at the same site of the primary lesion. We report a case of an epidermoid tumour with malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at the adjacent site but without any relation to the primary site of the tumour. A 30-year-old patient with a history of cranial surgery and resection of cerebellopontine (CP) angle epidermoid cyst five years ago, presented with a headache, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination showed no neurological deficit. The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a well-defined lesion within left middle cerebellar peduncle with no relation to CP angle cistern (the previous tumour site). It was isointense on T1, isointense on T2 and had a rim enhancement on gadolinium (GD) injection. Via retrosigmoid and transcortical approach, total resection of the tumour was performed. During the surgery, there was no visible relationship between the current lesion and the previously resected lesion site. Histopathology revealed squamous cell carcinoma. The systemic survey to finding a probable origin of the tumour was negative and the patient referred for performing brain radiotherapy. We are reporting a case of malignant transformation of epidermoid cyst separate from primary location. Moreover, malignant transformation can occur years after index surgery even after gross total resection.

Purpose: In many brain surgeries, dura cannot be primarily repaired and it is necessary to use a graft. Appropriate repair of dura plays a major role in preventing CSF leakage and meningitis. In the cases where sufficient Pericranium is not available for recovery, we need to use graft from other resources. The present study compares the results of amniotic membrane dural graft and pericranium dural graft in terms of CSF leakage and Pseudomeningocele. Materials and methods: This is a semi-empirical research. Thirty cases underwent dural graft with amnion membrane because of inadequate local pericranium for repair. There were 30 other historical cases that had undergone auto-graft dural graft with Pericranium in the same center. Results: The average age of the participants in Pericranium graft group (P, n = 30) and those in amniotic graft group (A, n = 30) was 39.1 ± 15 and 43.9 ± 19 years old, respectively. As for the P and A groups, there were 14 and 17 males, respectively. Two cases of CSF leakage (7%) were observed in P group, while none was reported in A group. There were 3 cases (10%) of meningitis in Pericranium group and 2 cases (7%) were reported in amnion group. Out of 2 cases of meningitis in group P, 2 cases were associated with CSF leak. 5 cases of Hydrocephalus (17%) were observed in group P and 9 cases (30%) were reported in group A. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in any complication. The frequency of hydrocephalus was significantly higher in posterior fossa craniotomy. Conclusion: Amniotic membrane may provide a good source for cases with a large dural defect and can be utilized for all ages. Of course, its application in cases of posterior fossa craniotomy needs to be carefully studied so that the best results may be obtained.

Introduction: Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is uncommon among the civilian population. Here, we report two interesting cases of PBI. Case presentation: The first patient was a 20-year-old male who sustained a penetrating head injury with a metal bar during an accident at work. The patient underwent early surgical intervention, and related meningitis was treated with antibiotics. The patient was discharged 45 days later with no deficit. The second patient was a 34-year-old male who was the victim of a violence attack and was admitted to hospital. He was struck by a knife to his right temporal bone. A brain computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the tract of the knife within the brain parenchyma. The patient underwent conservative treatment. After several weeks, the patient was discharged in good health. Conclusion: Although severe PBI has a poorer prognosis than a blunt brain injury, in treating of these patients, aggressive and timely surgical intervention, proper wide-spectrum antibiotic administration, stringent and diligent care in the intensive-care unit and careful management of the associated complications are mandated.

Introduction: Paradoxical brain herniation (PBH) represents a rare and potentially life-threatening complication observed in individuals following decompressive craniectomy. Its diagnosis necessitates a high level of suspicion, combined with clinical and imaging evidence, such as midline shift, herniation, and a decreased Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Given the rarity and severity of this condition, we conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify all documented predisposing factors, clinical presentations, and appropriate clinical management. This review will serve as a guide for effective treatment strategies. Case presentation: In this report, we document three cases of post-traumatic PBH following decompressive craniectomy. The patient's predisposing factor was a lumbar puncture, with two cases resolving after Terendlenburg repositioning, hydration, and elective cranioplasty. The third case developed PBH after external ventricular drainage (EVD) insertion. Although the patient's GCS improved after clamping the EVD and hydration, the patient ultimately succumbed to meningitis. Clinical discussion: The primary clinical manifestations of PBH often encompass a diminished GCS alongside radiographic evidence of midline shift and brain herniation. Various precipitating factors have been associated with PBH after decompressive craniectomy, including CSF drainage, dehydration, and upright positioning, although instances of spontaneous PBH have been documented. Reported therapeutic strategies encompass rehydration, Trendelenburg positioning, temporary cessation of CSF drainage, and cranioplasty. Conclusion: Given the infrequency of PBH and the potential for misdiagnosis with brain edema, it is imperative to consider this condition in every patient who experiences a decreased level of consciousness following decompressive craniectomy. Highlights: