Pneumocephalus following an epidural blood patch

Abstract

Pneumocephalus is a rare complication of epidural block. We report a case of pneumocephalus complicating an epidural blood patch performed 3 days after unintentional dural puncture. Pneumocephalus may occur during an epidural blood patch procedure, even if the epidural needle tip is within the epidural space.

Delayed diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a parturient with preeclampsia after inadvertent dural puncture

“…8 The headache usually resolves within a few hours but may last as long as five days. 9 Also complicating the diagnosis in our patient was preeclampsia.…”

An Epidural Blood Patch Causing Acute Neurologic Dysfunction Necessitating a Decompressive Laminectomy

“…Furthermore, a spinal SDH after an EDBP had been reported previously. 11,12 Other rare, transient complications related to an EDBP have included pneumocephalus, 13 lumbovertebral syndrome, 14 radicular pain, 15,16 and seizures. 17 Some long-term complications related to an EDBP include long-term bladder and bowel dysfunction (>6 months) 18 and chronic sacral radiculopathy (>5 months).…”

Temporary homonymous hemianopsia after epidural blood patch

“…Negative pressure induced by the inhalation of the patient during the procedure could also reduce cerebrospinal fluid pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. This is thought to be another potential mechanism of pneumocephalus [6,7,10]. …”