Author/Authors :
Civelek, Erdinç Baskent University - Istanbul Hospital - Department of Neurosurgery, Turkey , Ozcan, Ali Rıza Dr Munif Islamoglu Kastamonu State Hospital - Department of Neurosurgery, Turkey , Aydın, Serkan Dr Munif Islamoglu Kastamonu State Hospital - Departments of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Turkey , Güler, Erol Dr Munif Islamoglu Kastamonu State Hospital - Departments of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Turkey , Ekmekçioğlu, Ebru Efetürk Dr Munif Islamoglu Kastamonu State Hospital - Departments of Anesthesiology, Turkey
Abstract :
Pneumocephalus is a well known complication of spinal and epidural anesthesia, but subclinical pneumocephalus complicated by fever leading to intracranial mass effect (tension pneumocephalus) is extremely rare. We report a case of sudden and progressive bifrontal headache and confusion after a dural puncture during the procedure of epidural anesthesia.The pneumocephalus resolved spontaneously after 5 days. Possible mechanisms for this occurrence, along with steps that can be taken to prevent this complication, are discussed.
