[Pneumoencephalography in the diagnosis and complex treatment of traumatic epilepsy]

Pneumoencephalographic examinations (after endolumbar injection of 60 ml of air) were carried out in 84 patients who developed epileptic seizures after closed brain injuries. In all the patients diffuse cysto-adhesive arachnoiditis, open inner hydrocephalus, and delayed resorption of air from the cerebral ventricles were revealed roentgenologically. A therapeutic effect that manifested itself in a subjective improvement, abatement of the organic signs, cessation, diminution on the frequency, or transformation of the seizures into milder ones was noted in 77% of the patients. Data on vegetative reactions and changes of the brain bioelectrical activity under the influence of the pneumoencephalography are presented. Possible role of those changes in the mechanisms of the pneumoencephalography therapeutic action is discussed.