Iatrogenic pneumocephalus following a cervical epidural steroid injection: A case report
Derrick L Barr1, Bradley S McDonald1
1Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
Pneumocephalus is a condition defined by air present in the intracranial space. There are several causes of pneumocephalus, however this is a case of a patient who developed pneumocephalus following a cervical epidural steroid injection. Uniquely, this patient's chief complaint was sudden onset of syncope, and respiratory arrest following the injection. The diagnosis was made by CT, and conservative treatment was used for resolution of the condition. Patients with pneumocephalus can present with a wide range of neurologic symptoms, and prompt recognition and treatment are key to preventing irreversible neurologic damage.
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