Spontaneous intracranial hypotension masquerading as frontotemporal dementia

Abstract

F.D. exhibited the cognitive and behavioral profile of frontotemporal dementia in the context of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Symptoms included orthostatic headache, as well as cognitive and personality changes. He underwent CT, EEG, and MRI as well as neuropsychological evaluations before and after corticosteroid treatment. The initial evaluation documented significant cognitive impairment with a predominance of executive dysfunction. Following treatment, a second evaluation revealed marked improvement in cognition and behavior. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can yield a favorable outcome. Both quantitative and qualitative information from measures of executive functioning were discussed, as well as their anatomical substrates.