title: Pneumocephalus and neurosurgery in rotary aircrew.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pneumocephalus secondary to trauma or tumors can have varied symptom severity. It is important to recognize and quantify pneumocephalus for medical evacuation and treatment. This case presents current recommendations for travel in the literature and how they are applicable in returning to flying duties after neurosurgical interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is the case of a Naval aircrew member who developed an osteoma and subsequently periorbital emphysema and pneumocephalus. This required medical evacuation from a remote territory, a team surgical approach, and later testing to allow him to return to flight duties in rotary aircraft.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A search of the literature did not reveal any previous cases of civilian or military flight crew having returned to flying duties after pneumocephalus or neurosurgery. Barometric chamber testing was performed post-operatively to provide clearance. Literature review revealed mixed advice on when one can safely fly commercially after neurosurgery and may be applicable in a case series of medical evacuation or future clearance in returning to flight duties. Ruddick B, Tomlin J. Pneumocephalus and neurosurgery in rotary aircrew.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ruddick
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tomlin
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000401:Aircraft; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005004:Ethmoid Bone; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D010016:Osteoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D062707:Return to Work; D055815:Young Adult