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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes An Air Bubble After Drilling For Subdural Hematoma?

I have just been to my neurosurgeon for a follow up visit. I had a procedure two weeks ago where they drilled two burr holes in my head, due to a large subdural hematoma. In todays scan there was an obvious air bubble present. The doctor would not elaborate. Should I be concerned?
Mon, 22 Aug 2016
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Emergency Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi there,
I am Dr. Deepak, I work in Emergency Department. I have seen many follow up patient come after brain surgery. You have mentioned you underwent a procedure two weeks ago and scan done today, there is obvious air bubble.
Air in side the skull is closed from all side and usually we don't see air bubbles inside the skull. We see air bubbles only when the integrity of the skull is broken, Like after head injury, or injury to face, or following any surgery related to brain or skull.
As you have mentioned you had underwent burr hole surgery, during the time of surgery, some amount of air might enter into the skull and can remain there for some amount of time.
You absolutely have nothing to worry about, It might take around 1 month for the air bubbles to disappear. It is common after surgery.
Thank you
Hope your concern was dealt with and hope you have speedy recovery.
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What Causes An Air Bubble After Drilling For Subdural Hematoma?

Hi there, I am Dr. Deepak, I work in Emergency Department. I have seen many follow up patient come after brain surgery. You have mentioned you underwent a procedure two weeks ago and scan done today, there is obvious air bubble. Air in side the skull is closed from all side and usually we don t see air bubbles inside the skull. We see air bubbles only when the integrity of the skull is broken, Like after head injury, or injury to face, or following any surgery related to brain or skull. As you have mentioned you had underwent burr hole surgery, during the time of surgery, some amount of air might enter into the skull and can remain there for some amount of time. You absolutely have nothing to worry about, It might take around 1 month for the air bubbles to disappear. It is common after surgery. Thank you Hope your concern was dealt with and hope you have speedy recovery.