A tension pneumocephalus is an intracranial accumulation of air that is large enough and has enough pressure to cause a number of clinical findings secondary to a mass effect that may mimic an intracranial tumor.
Clinical features of tension pneumocephalus:
(1) rapid clinical deterioration
(2) persistent headache
(3) confusion or altered mental status
(4) restlessness or lethargy
(5) disorientation
(6) papilledema
(7) hemiparesis or hemiplegia
It is necessary to exclude other conditions which may have similar findings.
The diagnosis is often readily apparent on an imaging study.
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