Pneumocephalus: a rare and life-threatening, but reversible, complication after penetrating lumbar injury.
case_report · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 30652201.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1007/s00701-018-03796-y and PMC identifier 6373275.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Pneumocephalus, the presence of intracranial air, is a complication especially seen after neurotrauma or brain surgery. When it leads to a pressure gradient, a so-called tension pneumocephalus, it may require emergency surgery. Clinical symptomatology, especially in young children, does not differentiate between a pneumocephalus and a tension pneumocephalus. An additional CT scan is therefore warranted. Here, we report on a rare case of pneumocephalus after penetrating lumbar injury. Additionally, the pathophysiology of pneumocephalus, as well as its recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, will be elucidated.
Medical subject headings
- Lumbosacral Region
- Pneumocephalus
- Spinal Injuries
- Wounds, Penetrating