Status epilepticus due to cerebral air embolism after the Valsalva maneuver
- Author:
Hyun Ji LYOU
1
;
Hye Jeong LEE
;
Grace Yoojin LEE
;
Won Joo KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Status epilepticus; Embolism, air; Pneumothorax; Valsalva maneuver
- MeSH: Brain; Embolism, Air; Fatal Outcome; Humans; Incidence; Lung Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Oxygen; Pneumothorax; Status Epilepticus; Thorax; Valsalva Maneuver
- From: Journal of Neurocritical Care 2019;12(1):51-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cerebral air embolism is uncommon but potentially causes catastrophic events such as cardiac damage or even death. However, due to a low overall incidence, it may go undiagnosed. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old man with a medical history of right upper lobectomy due to lung cancer showed changes in mental status after the Valsalva maneuver, followed by status epilepticus during admission. Brain and chest computed tomography showed cerebral air embolism and accidental pneumothorax in the right major fissure. After antiepileptic drug infusion and oxygen therapy, he recovered completely. CONCLUSION: Since cerebral air embolism may result in fatal outcomes, it should be suspected in patients with sudden neurological deterioration after routine medical procedures.
