Kernohan’s phenomenon, resulting from a traumatic left acute subdural hematoma

Jean-Marc Voyadzis, MD; Harish Panicker, MD; Kevin M. McGrail, MD

View content online at: http://www.appliedradiology.com/Issues/2007/01/Cases/Kernohan’s-phenomenon,-resulting-from-a-traumatic-left-acute-subdural-hematoma.aspx

Abstract:  Transtentorial, or uncal, herniation is a well-described neurologic phenomenon caused by an expanding supratentorial mass. The medial aspect of the temporal lobe is forced downward over the tentorium, compressing the neighboring oculomotor nerve and resulting in ipsilateral pupillary dilatation, which is of

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Discussion
Transtentorial, or uncal, herniation is a well-described neurologic phenomenon caused by an expanding supratentorial mass. The medial aspect of the temporal lobe is forced downward over the tentorium, compressing the neighboring oculomotor nerve and resulting in ipsilateral pupillary dilatation, which is often followed by oculomotor ophthalmoplegia. With time, the integrity of the crus cerebri and its descending corticospinal tracts is disturbed, and a contralateral motor deficit is produced with a deteriorating level of consciousness. Lateral pressure on the midbrain can, however, compress the opposite crus cerebri against the free edge of the tentorium, forming an indentation in the crus known as Kernohan's notch. This may produce a hemiparesis ipsilateral to the expanding mass known as Kernohan's phenomenon, which is a false localizing sign. This was first described by Kernohan et al1 in 1929 after an autopsy study revealed a notched cerebral peduncle from a contralateral herniation syndrome. Because of streak artifacts from the petrous bone, CT is usually unable to detect these changes. MRI can be useful in revealing a deformity or injury of the cerebral peduncle that results from ongoing or past transtentorial herniation.2-6

CONCLUSION

Kernohan's phenomenon should be suspected when a motor deficit develops ipsilateral to a space-occupying supratentorial mass. MRI is the study of choice to confirm injury to the contralateral crus cerebri.

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