Management of Post Traumatic Tension Pneumocephalus

F. Lakhdar, M. Benzagmout, K. Chakour, ME. Chaoui

Abstract: The presence of intracranial air (pneumocephalus) following a brain trauma is a common event and is often trivial. However, tension pneumocephalus can be defined as a large asymmetric accumulations of air, may act as a space occupying lesion causing brain compression and resulting in neurological deterioration. We report a case of post-traumatic compressive pneumocephalus responsible for severe neurological deterioration. CT scan confirmed the skull base fracture with a huge pneumocephalus and the patient operated successfully with clinical improvement of his symptoms and radiographic resolution of his condition. Compressive pneumocephaly is a rare and serious complication, also his management should also be well known by the medical staff.

Keywords: Pneumocephalus, head traumatism, surgery, CT scan