Objectives: Clinical treatment of post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is limited to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) extracranial shunting, and research on noninvasive treatment is still lacking. In a follow-up study of a patient with PTH, atorvastatin treatment was beneficial in controlling hydrocephalus and promoting neurological recovery.
Method: A 29-year-old male patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) was found to have progressive hydrocephalus and presented with symptoms of decreased spontaneous speech and delayed functional recovery. We added oral treatment with 20 mg/day atorvastatin and followed up hydrocephalus with head CT every two months.
Results: The span of the third ventricle decreased by 21%, Evan's index fell by 16%, and the Fugl-Meyer motor score was up from 17/100 to 56/100. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was modified from 15/30 to 23/30.
Conclusion: The use of atorvastatin in the patient may improve the imaging results and benefit the patient functionally.
Keywords: Evans index; Post-traumatic hydrocephalus; atorvastatin treatment; delayed recovery of neurological function.