Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2008 , Vol 18 , Num 2
A Case of Pneumocephalus Association with Lumbar Punctures
Bülent DÜZ, Serhat PUSAT, Cahit KURAL, Alparslan KIRIK, Engin GÖNÜL
GATA, Nöroşirürji Anabilim Dalı, Ankara, Türkiye Pneumocephalus may rarely develop after lumbar puncture. The development of negative pressure between the intracranial and intraspinal space during lumbar puncture is the cause of pneumocephalus. When cerebrospinal fluid drainage is excessive, air enters the intraspinal-intracranial space through the puncture area due to siphon effect. The patients with pneumocephalus usually have headache. Additionally, confusion, disorientation, anisocoria, and hemiparesia can be seen in these patients. Pneumocephalus that usually improves in two weeks. We present a patient with pneumocephalus developed after lumbar puncture. In conclusion, pneumocephalus should be considered in patients with severe headache and neurological deterioration after lumbar puncture, and computed tomographic imaging should be performed for definite diagnosis. Anahtar Kelimeler : Central nerve infection, Lumbar puncture, Pneumocephalus