International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
Volume 15, Issue 3 , Pages 237-239 , July 2006

Pneumocephalus with headache complicating labour epidural analgesia: should we still be using air?

  • O.O. Nafiu

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: O.O. Nafiu, MD, FRCA, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Room UH 1H247, 1500 East Medical Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109- 0048, USA. Fax: +734 9369091.
    • ,
  • J.C. Urquhart

,Accepted October 2005.

References 

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  2. Davies MW, Harrison JC, Ryan IDR. Current practice of epidural analgesia during normal labour: A study of maternity units in the United Kingdom. Anaesthesia. 1993;48:63–65
  3. Saberski LR, Kondamuri S, Osinubi OYO. Identification of the epidural space: is loss of resistance to air a safe technique? A review of the complications related to the use of air. Reg Anesth. 1997;22:3–15
  4. Laviola S, Kirvela M, Spoto MR, Tschuor S, Alon E. Pneumocephalus with intense headache and unilateral pupillary dilatation after accidental dural puncture during epidural anesthesia for cesarean section. Anesth Analg. 1999;88:582–583
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  13. Petty R, Stevens R, Erickson S, et al. Inhalation of nitrous oxide expands epidural air bubbles. Reg Anesth. 1996;21:144–148
  14. Artu AA. Nitrous oxide plays a direct role in the development of tension pneumocephalus intraoperatively. Anesthesiology. 1982;57:59–61
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☆ Abstract presented at the May 4-7, 2005 Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) meeting.

PII: S0959-289X(05)00189-5

doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2005.10.011

International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
Volume 15, Issue 3 , Pages 237-239 , July 2006

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