Table 2

Neurological outcome of patients with decompressive craniectomy at discharge and after 6 months compared with somatosensory evoked potentials of the median nerve (M-SEP) before and after craniectomy

Patient

Neurological status (on demission)

Neurological status (6 months post-trauma)

M-SEP (prior to craniectomy)

M-SEP (first week after craniectomy)

1

Normal

Normal

Not tested

Moderate impairment (right)

2

Normal

Normal

Severe impairment (right)

Normal

3

Left-sided hemiparesis, VP shunt (PTH)

Distinct improvement of hemiparesis predominantly of the left arm, VP shunt removed

Not tested

Severe impairment (right)

4

Central impairment of coordination with tremor and ataxia; predominantly right-sided spasticity; speech retardation

Residual spasticity but not impaired in motor skills; visits a normal school

Moderate impairment (right), severe impairment (left)

Mild impairment (left)

5

Normal

Normal

Not tested

Normal

6

Hemiparesis predominatly of the right arm; left-sided abducent nerve paresis; impairment of swallowing and speech

Rehabilitation

Mild impairment (right), moderate impairment (left)

Severe impairment (left)

PTH, post-traumatic hydrocephalus; VP shunt, ventriculo–peritoneal shunt.

Ruf et al. Critical Care 2003 7:R133   doi:10.1186/cc2361