Sequelae to pneumoencephalography

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1973 Feb;36(1):146-51. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.36.1.146.

Abstract

Fifty patients were examined clinically and neurologically for seven days after pneumoencephalography. Headache was present in 78%, neck stiffness in 34%, pyrexia in 38%, vomiting in 34%, tachycardia in 74%, a change in the level of consciousness in 18%, and abnormal neurological signs in 30%. Of the 13 patients with epilepsy, there was an increased frequency of seizures in four, associated with increased EEG epileptiform activity in three. EEG abnormality either appeared or increased in 74% of cases on the second day after the air study. A mechanism for the production of these sequelae is proposed. It is concluded that these findings indicate that in most cases an organic brain syndrome follows pneumoencephalography.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / analysis
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / etiology*
  • Pneumoencephalography / adverse effects*
  • Pyramidal Tracts
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / etiology
  • Tachycardia / etiology
  • Vomiting / etiology

Substances

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins