A Case of Altered Mental Status and Severe Frontal Headaches inPatient with Imaging Confirmed Pneumocephalus and a Reviewof Previous Cases

Abstract

Neuraxial anesthetic technique is a common and safe method of providing labor analgesia and anesthesia for cesarean section (CS). Pneumocephalus (PC) is a known rare complication from neuraxial anesthesia. Here we present a case of a high risk parturient for planned CS via spinal anesthesia with catheter technique who experienced altered mental status (AMS) and severe headaches due to PC confirmed by head computed tomography (CT). Additionally, we review and discuss the body of literature of pneumocephalus resulting from neuraxial technique.