Spontaneous Otogenic Intracranial Pneumocephalus: A Case Report

Abstract

Spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus (SOP) is a rare condition. We report a case of SOP that may be related to repeated Valsalva maneuvers. A young woman underwent repeated Valsalva maneuvers to restore Eustachian tube function and subsequently developed symptoms that included otalgia, headache, and nausea. A temporal bone computed tomography scan was performed and a diagnosis of SOP was made. Subsequent surgical treatment was performed and no recurrence was found during the 1-year follow-up period. The rarity of SOP and its potential for misdiagnosis pose significant challenges in clinical practice. The Valsalva maneuver is 1 of the contributing factors to this phenomenon. Otologists should be familiar with the potential complications of the Valsalva maneuver and use it with greater caution.