Mazzaglia Guido, Falco Jacopo, Rossi Sebastiano Davide, Savoldi Anna Paola, Magnani Francesca Giulia, Castelli Arianna, Ferroli Paolo, Gemma Marco
Departments of Neuroanesthesia and Intensive Care, Diagnostic, and Technology.
Departments of Neurosurgery, Diagnostic, and Technology.
J Neurosurg Case Lessons. 2024 Aug 5;8(6). doi: 10.3171/CASE2411.
Understanding the intricate relationship between consciousness and the midbrain's structures remains a significant challenge in neuroscience. Transient lesions are perfect examples of the physiological functioning mechanism of these structures.
The authors present the case of a 49-year-old female who experienced a transient disorder of consciousness due to a midbrain hematoma following surgical interventions to remove a cavernous malformation in the midbrain. This case explores the interplay between the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) and the thalamic centers, highlighting the role of structural disruptions in influencing consciousness levels. Notably, the patient's recovery correlated with the resolution of midbrain edema, reinstating normal ARAS function and consciousness.
In patients affected by midbrain lesions, edema can lead to a fluctuating neurological status, which can be difficult to diagnose. This case highlights the midbrain's crucial role in the consciousness network and the need to comprehend the intricate connections between subcortical and cortical structures for a comprehensive understanding of human consciousness. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2411.
理解意识与中脑结构之间的复杂关系仍然是神经科学中的一项重大挑战。短暂性病变是这些结构生理功能机制的完美例证。
作者报告了一名49岁女性的病例，该女性在接受手术切除中脑海绵状畸形后因中脑出血而出现短暂性意识障碍。本病例探讨了上行网状激活系统（ARAS）与丘脑中心之间的相互作用，强调了结构破坏对意识水平的影响作用。值得注意的是，患者的康复与中脑水肿的消退相关，恢复了正常的ARAS功能和意识。
在受中脑病变影响的患者中，水肿可导致神经状态波动，难以诊断。本病例突出了中脑在意识网络中的关键作用，以及为全面理解人类意识而理解皮质下和皮质结构之间复杂联系的必要性。https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2411
