Acute confusion secondary to pneumocephalus in an elderly patient

Abstract

Presentation: an 83-year-old man was admitted to hospital with acute confusion 3 days after a direct flight from Australia. Outcome: computed tomography (CT) brain scan and magnetic resonance imaging head scan revealed the cause to be pneumocephalus, apparently the result of barotrauma caused by Valsalva manoeuvres when he attempted to unblock his nose during the flight. After 5 days of nursing in the vertical position the patient's Abbreviated Mental Score returned to normal. A CT brain scan 6 weeks later showed complete resolution of the pneumocephalus.