Pneumocephalus with headache during spinal anesthesia

Abstract

Pneumocephalus is not an uncommon occurrence following air pneumoencephalography, pneumomyelography, or brain surgery, particularly when nitrous oxide is used. While air usually is reabsorbed after 2 days, in some patients it may take up to 7 days. Also, dural tap for spinal anesthesia has been suggested as a possible cause of pneumocephalus, but it has not been documented. This case provides evidence that pneumocephalus can result from spinal anesthesia and a small volume of air.