Localising the source of pneumocephalus: a diagnostic problem

Abstract

Temporal bone fractures are a common site of origin for pneumocephalus in the trauma setting, but due to the variegated appearance of the skull base, these are not always evident on conventional scanning techniques. We present a case that illustrates this diagnostic difficulty along with the principles of treating pneumocephalus with Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in situ.