Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Reproducible and Efficient Method for Accessing Porcine Brain via Craniectomy
04:26

Author Spotlight: A Reproducible and Efficient Method for Accessing Porcine Brain via Craniectomy

Published on: July 5, 2024

635

Pneumocephalus with meningitis secondary to an old traumatic anterior cranial fossa defect

Freston Marc Sirur1,2, Akash Daswaney3,2, Roshini Raghu2

  • 1Emergency Medicine, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

BMJ Case Reports
|June 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A traumatic brain injury led to delayed pneumocephalus and meningitis in a 30-year-old man. Prompt antibiotic treatment and surgical repair were crucial for recovery, emphasizing the need to consider delayed complications after skull base trauma.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Skull base defects can lead to delayed intracranial complications.
  • Traumatic events may predispose individuals to conditions like pneumocephalus.
  • Recognizing subtle or delayed presentations of post-traumatic complications is clinically significant.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old male presented with altered mental status, fever, headache, and vomiting.
  • Brain CT revealed pneumocephalus and an anterior cranial fossa bony defect.
  • History revealed prior traumatic events, suggesting a link to the current condition.

Findings:

  • Laboratory studies confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae in the blood, indicating bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
  • The pneumocephalus was attributed to a post-traumatic skull base defect.
  • The patient received antibiotic treatment and underwent endoscopic repair of the defect.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering delayed post-traumatic pneumocephalus, meningitis, and sepsis.
  • Early recognition and management of such conditions are vital for patient outcomes.
  • Endoscopic skull base repair offers a viable treatment option for complex defects.
Keywords:
emergency medicineinfection (neurology)meningitisotolaryngology / ENTtrauma

More Related Videos

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

8.4K
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery09:53

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

3.9K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
673
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
530
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
450
Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
2.4K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
1.4K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
548