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Orbital emphysema following remote skull trauma
1Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Nose blowing can cause orbital emphysema, a rare condition where air enters the eye socket. This case suggests blunt head trauma may transmit force to the orbital walls, leading to this unusual presentation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Orbital emphysema is a rare condition characterized by the presence of air in the orbital tissues.
- It is typically associated with facial trauma, particularly fractures of the orbital walls or paranasal sinuses.
- Nose blowing is a common mechanism that can lead to orbital emphysema, especially in cases with pre-existing sinus pathology.
Observation:
- A patient presented with orbital emphysema without any direct orbital trauma.
- The patient reported a history of blunt posterior skull trauma sustained several hours prior to the onset of symptoms.
- Clinical examination confirmed the presence of air in the orbital tissues.
Findings:
- The case highlights an unusual etiology of orbital emphysema, linking it to blunt posterior skull trauma.
- A "seismic" or wave-like transmission of force through the skull to the orbital walls is postulated as the mechanism.
- This suggests indirect forces can compromise the integrity of the orbital structures, allowing air ingress.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential mechanisms leading to orbital emphysema.
- It underscores the importance of considering indirect trauma, such as posterior skull impacts, in the differential diagnosis.
- Further investigation into the biomechanics of force transmission in head injuries may be warranted.