Case Report

Complicated Pneumocephalus after Epidural Anesthesia: A Case Report

10.5455/gulhane.39837

  • Erdinç Civelek
  • Ali Rıza Ozcan
  • Serkan Aydın
  • Erol Güler
  • Ebru Efetürk Ekmekçioğlu

Received Date: 27.05.2011 Accepted Date: 13.03.2012 Gulhane Med J 2013;55(2):132-134

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.

Keywords: Pneumocephalus, spinal anesthesia, epidural anesthesia