Pneumocephalus and Seizure Post Cranioplasty: A Case Report

Pneumocephalus is a condition characterized by the presence of air within the intracranial space and can be classified as either simple or tension. It is associated with various etiologies, ranging from infectious causes to craniofacial surgical procedures such as cranioplasty. We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient with no previous comorbidities who after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head, underwent a cranioplasty for facial reconstruction under general anesthesia. During the immediate postoperative period, the patient exhibited delayed awakening followed by a seizure, requiring reintubation and intensive care support. Imaging studies revealed the presence of simple pneumocephalus. Although pneumocephalus is a known complication of cranioplasty surgeries, this case emphasizes the importance of continuous clinical monitoring by the healthcare team throughout the surgical period, including the anesthetic recovery, in order to enable the early identification and management of signs and symptoms associated with potential adverse outcomes.