Tension pneumocephalus.
Tension pneumocephalus occurs when intracranial air exists under pressure, resulting in neurologic deterioration. The syndrome is precluded by an extracranial-intracranial communication and a difference in extracranial-intracranial pressure with the latter being greater. Although most frequently associated with head trauma, a variety of situations, including an operative sitting position and use of nitrous oxide anesthesia, have been known to contribute to this potentially life-threatening complication. This article will address pathogenesis, assessment parameters, and medical and nursing approaches utilized to reduce and minimize further entrapment of air. A case report will be presented illustrating this condition.
D000328:Adult; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D003422:Critical Care; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed