Pneumocephalus following attempted epidural anaesthesia.

This report describes iatrogenic pneumocephalus in an obstetrical patient following attempted epidural anaesthesia using the loss of resistance technique. On the fourth attempt at epidural injection, an apparent loss of resistance was identified and 5 ml air was injected. The patient complained immediately of severe bifrontal headache followed by emesis. The baby was eventually delivered by Caesarean section, with general anaesthesia and avoiding nitrous oxide. The patient's headache resolved within 24 hr without further sequelae.