[Posttraumatic tension pneumocephalus causing herniation]

Bülent Fahri Kilincoğlu1, Amir Mansur Mukaddem, Hatice Lakadamyali

  • 1Başkent Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Alanya Eğitim ve Araştirma Hastanesi Nöroşirürji A.B.D, Oğretim Görevlisi, Turkey. bfkilincoglu@hotmail.com

Insights

A boy experienced severe neurological symptoms due to post-traumatic pneumocephalus, a condition involving intracranial air following a head injury. Prompt surgical removal of the air resolved his symptoms, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • A 12-year-old boy with a history of frontal fracture and pneumocephalus presented with altered consciousness.
  • He had experienced an upper respiratory tract infection for four days prior to admission.

Observation:

  • Computerized tomography revealed significant intracranial air, including a large collection in the right frontal region, ventricular system, and cervical spinal canal.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms of loss of consciousness, convulsions, and anisocoria.

Findings:

  • A bedside right frontal burr-hole procedure successfully removed the intracranial air.
  • Post-procedure imaging demonstrated complete resolution of the air within ten days.

Implications:

  • This case illustrates post-traumatic pneumocephalus exacerbated by a Valsalva maneuver during a respiratory infection.
  • Suggests close monitoring, frequent imaging, and prompt treatment of respiratory infections in similar cases to prevent recurrence or complications.

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