Pneumocephalus resulting from traumatic pneumothorax and brachial plexus avulsion
Abstract Background Traumatic pneumocephalus is commonly encountered after basal skull fractures and rarely associated with blunt chest trauma. Here, we report a case of pneumocephalus caused by traumatic pneumothorax and brachial plexus avulsion. Case Presentation A 20‐year‐old male was admitted to...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2024-01-01
|
| Series: | Acute Medicine & Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/ams2.956 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Abstract Background Traumatic pneumocephalus is commonly encountered after basal skull fractures and rarely associated with blunt chest trauma. Here, we report a case of pneumocephalus caused by traumatic pneumothorax and brachial plexus avulsion. Case Presentation A 20‐year‐old male was admitted to our hospital following a motorcycle accident with complete paralysis of the right upper limb. 2 days later, follow‐up computed tomography revealed a slight right pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum around the neck, and intracranial air without skull fracture. Air migrates into the subarachnoid space through a dural tear caused by a brachial plexus avulsion. The pneumocephalus immediately improved after the insertion of a chest drain. Conclusion Pneumothorax combined with brachial plexus avulsion could lead to pneumocephalus. Immediate chest drainage might be the best way to stop the migration of air; however, care should be taken to not worsen cerebrospinal fluid leakage. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2052-8817 |