Emergency Foramen Magnum Decompression for Tonsillar Herniation Secondary to Meningoencephalitis

Abstract

Tonsillar herniation and coning is a rare and often late presentation of meningoencephalitis, and is associated with poor neurological outcome. We report the case of a 16-year-old female who presented unresponsive with radiological evidence of tonsillar herniation secondary to meningoencephalitis. She underwent an emergency foramen magnum decompression and C1 laminectomy with full recovery and no residual neurological deficit.

Keywords

• Tonsillar herniation
• Meningitis
• Hydrocephalus
• Foramen magnum decompression