Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizure Causing Spontaneous Pneumothorax - A Rare Case Presentation

Generalised tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures can lead to various complications, including pneumothorax.This is a rare event, although noted in the limited literature.The authors report a young, healthy woman experiencing her first seizure.She showed signs of status epilepticus.Inadequate pre-oxygenation during preparation for rapid sequence intubation prompted the clinicians to perform a bedside ultrasound, which indicated a right-sided pneumothorax.A needle thoracotomy was performed before intubation, followed by tube thoracostomy.Post-intubation imaging confirmed a resolving pneumothorax.This case highlights the rare link between seizures and pneumothorax caused by increased intra-alveolar pressure from Valsalva manoeuvres during convulsions.