Cerebral Herniation from Ventricular Dilatation after Craniectomy

Local cerebral herniation due to ventricular dilatation was observed in a patient who had had removal of a bone flap and whose dura had previously been left open. The explanation of this problem was suggested by experimental and clinical evidence relating the development of ventricular enlargement to loss of support of the brain. Such an explanation also suggested that head wrapping to buttress the brain and promote transependymal absorption of cerebrospinal fluid could reverse the condition. This treatment was employed with apparent success.