J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2002 Jun;13(2):219-221.

Tension Pneumocephalus

• So BH
• Park SH
• Kim KM
• Kim SK

Abstract

This paper presents one case of subdural tension pneumocephalus which deteriorated in the early phase of head trauma. Pneumocephalus occurs in 0.5 to 1.0% of head trauma cases. Most patients have nonspecific signs and symptoms, such as headache. Therefore, a high index of suspicion in a patient with recent head trauma is necessary. Therapy is often noninvasive, allowing the craniodural defect to heal spontaneously. However, if enough air collects within the cranium or the brain itself, a mass effect with marked midline shift may develop. This is referred to as tension pneumocephlus and may result in herniation symdrome. Prompt decompression is essential.

Keyword

Tension pneumocephalus

MeSH Terms

Brain
Craniocerebral Trauma
Decompression
Headache
Humans
Pneumocephalus*
Skull