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Suggest Treatment For Air Embolism In The Brain
About a week ago I had a CT scan of my brain due to an auto accident. The scan showed I have an air pocket in my brain. My primary doctor has ordered a second CT scan to be done in about 2 weeks to see if there is any change in the air pocket. What is the usual causes of an air pocket and is having one something serious?
Mon, 15 Jun 2015
Hello, thanks for writing to HCM.
Your CT scan has showed an air pocket in the brain- also known as pneumocephalus. The most common causes are trauma- as is in your case and neuro-surgery.
It occurs when there is a fracture of the skull/para-nasal sinus, and outside air enters the brain cavity. It is not usually serious, unless something called a 'tension pneumocephalus' develops(signs of increased pressure in brain).
Otherwise, this is asymptomatic in most patients , and the air will gradually get resorbed.
Hope I have answered your query. Do write in if you have any more questions. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Your CT scan has showed an air pocket in the brain- also known as pneumocephalus. The most common causes are trauma- as is in your case and neuro-surgery.
It occurs when there is a fracture of the skull/para-nasal sinus, and outside air enters the brain cavity. It is not usually serious, unless something called a 'tension pneumocephalus' develops(signs of increased pressure in brain).
Otherwise, this is asymptomatic in most patients , and the air will gradually get resorbed.
Hope I have answered your query. Do write in if you have any more questions. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I find this answer helpful
Hi welcome to HCm
Air embolism is , of course a seious matter and can occur whenever a blood vessel is open and a pressure gradient exists favoring entry of gas which may have happened in your case during accidant .
Because the circulatory pressure in most arteries and veins is greater than atmospheric pressure, an air embolus does not always happen when a blood vessel is injured.
In the veins above the heart, such as in the head and neck, the pressure is less than atmospheric and an injury may let air in.
Air embolism is , of course a seious matter and can occur whenever a blood vessel is open and a pressure gradient exists favoring entry of gas which may have happened in your case during accidant .
Because the circulatory pressure in most arteries and veins is greater than atmospheric pressure, an air embolus does not always happen when a blood vessel is injured.
In the veins above the heart, such as in the head and neck, the pressure is less than atmospheric and an injury may let air in.
I find this answer helpful
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