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Traumatic pneumocephalus
Author(s) -
Jacobs Joseph B.,
Persky Mark S.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.5540900320
Subject(s) - pneumocephalus , medicine , skull , otorhinolaryngology , surgery , watchful waiting , paranasal sinuses , computed tomography , prostate cancer , cancer
This paper presents an unusual case report and comprehensive review of pneumocephalus. The pathogenesis of this finding is explained with the intracranial variations in meningeal anatomy adjacent to the anterior and posterior paranasal sinuses. The effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in treating meningeal tears should not lead the physician into a false sense of security. The watchful waiting attitude must be tempered with the knowledge of increased morbidity and mortality in prolonged pneumocephalus. Statistics reinforce the policy of opting for surgical repair of persistent intracranial air after one week. The increasing role of the otolaryngologist and extracranial approaches to the base of the skull becomes evident in the management of these cases.