TITLE:
Pneumocephalus after Epidural Anesthesia for Labor: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Shahad Aljebeli, Shahad Alobikan, Nasser Tawfeeq
KEYWORDS:
Epidural Anesthesia, Labor, Pneumocephalus, Postpartum, Complication
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Anesthesiology,
Vol.15 No.3,
March
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Epidural anesthesia is a commonly used technique and is considered safe, nevertheless, there are some potential side effects and complications. Pneumocephalus, defined as the collection of air in the cranial cavity, is a rare but benign condition. We hereby report a case of pneumocephalus in a primigravida after epidural anesthesia during labor. Case Description: A 28-year-old female, medically and surgically free, primigravida at 41 weeks of gestation, was admitted for induction of labor. On day three postpartum, the patient presented to the emergency department with insomnia, palpitation, and tachypnea, which proceeded with sudden left-sided weakness and numbness. An urgent neurological consultation was requested, and a CT brain and CT venogram were ordered, which revealed pneumocephalus. Conclusion: Pneumocephalus is an uncommon complication related to epidural anesthesia, and recognizing its potential occurrence and applying appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies can lead to favorable results, as evidenced in this case.