Abstrakt
BACKGROUND: Barotrauma to the middle-ear cavity and paranasal sinuses is a relatively common flight-related health problem. Occasionally, it may result in severe mechanical or infectious intracranial complications; these have been rarely reported to date.
OBJECTIVE: Four cases of acute bacterial meningitis following air travel are presented, and its pathogenesis is briefly described. CONCLUSION: Neurological symptoms occurring after air flight should prompt proper investigation.
Otitis media and sinusitis are common primary focuses of bacterial meningitis. Severe complications of air flight barotrauma may be underreported.