Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of pneumocephalus associated with epidural block: case report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pneumocephalus is a rare neuraxial blockade complication, which can be associated with severe neurologic changes. CLINICAL CASE A 51-year-old patient was submitted to left total knee arthroplasty. Postoperatively, a pneumocephalus associated with decreased consciousness was diagnosed as a complication of the epidural analgesia. The treatment used was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) due to the severity of symptoms. Just after one session of HBOT, there was nearly full pneumocephalus resorption and significant clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: This case report enables anesthesiologists to recognize HBOT as a therapeutic option to be considered when treating severe cases of pneumocephalus.