ISSN:
0942-0940
Keywords:
Head injuries
;
pneumocephalus
;
cerebrospinal rhinorrhea and otorrhea
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary CT scanning was carried out in 508 patients with acute head injuries. Retrospective analysis of the findings revealed intracranial air in 49 cases (9.7%). Air may be situated in the extradural, subdural or subarachnoid spaces or intracerebrally. A pneumocephalus was detected in 40 out of 49 (82%) of head injury patients within 6 hours of the accident. Injuries associated with a pneumatocele or a single intracranial air bubble have a good prognosis, as do frontobasal lesions. Injuries associated with multiple air bubbles have a bad prognosis. Intracranial air was a sign of a frontobasal or laterobasal fracture. In cases with a depressed skull fracture, extracerebral haematoma or pneumocephalus acting as a space occupying lesion, an operation should be performed as soon as possible. If associated with a persistent rhinorrhea the CSF-fistula should be operated according to the generally accepted rules13. In other post-traumatic cases intracranial air may be disregarded, although its presence may influence the choice of treatment.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01812281
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