Article

Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy has not been accepted as a standard
therapy for traumatic brain injuries, it has been used, along with rehabilitative
exercises, for traumatic brain injuries, and the standard protocol has a low risk
of complications. We report a case of chronic traumatic brain injury that
progressed to tension pneumocephalus after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The patient
was a 25-yr-old man who presented with left occipital bone fracture and
subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhage after being hit by a car. He underwent
craniectomy to remove the hematoma and cerebrospinal fluid diversion with a
ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Fifteen months
after the trauma, the patient received hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote
functional recovery. Tension pneumocephalus developed after the first session of
hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and immediate burr hole drainage followed by ligation
of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed. The patient's consciousness
recovered gradually, and he was discharged home. We suggest that patients with
unrepaired skull base fracture and cerebrospinal fluid diversion should be
carefully evaluated before receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Langue : ANGLAIS