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[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
Summary
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.