Pneumocephalus as a cause of seizure after lumbar spine surgery. A case report and review

Keywords:

Pneumocephalus ; spine surgery : seizure ; dural tear ; surgical complication


Published online: Mar 29 2019

https://doi.org/10.56126/70.1.6

B. Denis (*), M. Ledent (**)

(*) Department of Anesthesiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
(**) Department of Anesthesiology, Clinique Saint-Pierre, Ottignies, Belgium

Abstract

We report an atypical case of pneumocephalus following lumbar spine surgery for degenerative purposes. This clinical presentation is characterized by a seizure in the recovery room. The underlying etiology is a peroperative dural tear. After an initial assessment with CT-scan the evolution is rapidly favorable under conservative treatment. Our review of literature com- pares nine similar cases and the management options. Anesthesiologists play a major role in the prevention of risk factors and in the differential diagnosis of symptomatic cases, particularly to exclude postoperative life-threatening situations.

ActaAnaestBelg-73-4-cover

About this issue

Volume 70, issue 1.

Mar 2019.

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