Transient, Bilateral Lucency in the Basal Ganglia—α Postictal Computed Tomographic Phenomenon

—Case Report—

Abstract

Symmetrical lucency was found on computed tomography in the bilateral basal ganglia following severe seizures in a patient who had undergone an otherwise uneventful posterior fossa craniotomy. The lucency was transient and resolved completely. Lucency of the bilateral basal ganglia has been reported previously, but has usually been permanent. Focal edema secondary to hypoxia during seizures is the most likely cause of transient lucency.