A case of pneumocephalus caused by a lumbar epidural block using loss of resistance with saline

Abstract

We report a case of pneumocephalus caused by a lumbar epidural block. The patient was a 75-year-old woman who had lumbar canal stenosis. After undergoing a lumbar epidural block using loss of resistance with saline, she suddenly complained of an intense headache as she got up from the bed. We evaluated by using an urgent head computed tomography scan and found pneumocephalus with an air image around the brain stem. Although an epidural block using loss of resistance with saline rather than air is recommended to prevent pneumocephalus, it is necessary to realize that this complication cannot be completely prevented.