Citation

Priestley KL, Bridwell RE, Beach JC, Simon EM, Britton GW. Cureus 2021; 13(7): e16700.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.16700

PMID

34462706

Abstract

Pneumocephalus, the presence of intracranial air, most commonly occurs secondary to a traumatic injury. Patients with simple pneumocephalus often present with nonspecific symptoms or with headaches. These patients may have little to no clinically relevant physical examination findings and can be managed conservatively. Tension pneumocephalus can present more acutely as a neurosurgical emergency. On physical examination, patients can present with neurologic deficits or papilledema. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of choice to detect intracranial air. We present a novel case of a simple pneumocephalus in the setting of a high-voltage electrical injury without evidence of displaced skull fracture or dural violation. The identification of unanticipated air within the cranial vault should prompt emergency physicians to determine its etiology which can guide treatment and disposition.

Language: en

Keywords

trauma; burn; electrical injury; high-voltage; pneumocephalus