Symptomatic Pneumocephalus following Spine Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Pneumocephalus, though frequently seen after cranial trauma and surgery, is an uncommon complication following spine surgery.

Case Description: We present the case of a 20-year-old male patient on whom a D10–L1 laminectomy was performed for the excision of an intradural tumor. The patient experienced a delayed emergence from anesthesia followed by tonic–clonic seizures after extubation. He was stabilized and the seizures were controlled while altered sensorium persisted into the early postoperative period. Imaging studies showed the presence of a pneumocephalus which was managed conservatively in the neurosurgical intensive care unit.

Conclusion: Through this presentation, we attempt to throw light on the mechanisms of development of pneumocephalus after surgical interventions on the spine, discuss the clinical presentation and diagnosis, and suggest possible measures to prevent development of this rare yet clinically significant condition.

Publication History

Article published online:
25 March 2020