Incidence and Management of Pneumocephalus, an Uncommon Complication of Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report

The presence of air in the epidural, subdural, or subcranial space within the brain parenchyma or ventricular cavities is a relatively uncommon side effect of spinal anesthesia. In this report, we aimed to describe a 37-year-old male patient who presented with continuous headaches, nausea, and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for joint replacement. A 37-year-old male patient was admitted for elective total hip arthroplasty. The surgery was performed under spinal anesthesia. Within 24 h after surgery, the patient presented with a history of continuous headaches, nausea, and vomiting. A CT scan of the brain was performed, and the findings revealed pneumocephalus, as the necessary measures were taken to control pneumocephalus. Finally, the patient was discharged from the hospital in good general condition. Pneumocephalus must be considered one of the possible causes of spinal anesthesia, which requires careful evaluation.