Severe maxillary sinus barotrauma associated with car travel

Summary 

Barotrauma secondary to flights or diving is relatively common but severe maxillary sinus barotrauma, caused by car travel, has not been reported yet. Herein we present the case of a 16-year-old girl, who suffers from severe pain in the left maxillary, frontal and parietal region and numbness, involving the upper palate, upper lip and teeth on the left side, and occurring during car travels. Computerized tomography of the paranasal sinuses revealed a long uncinate process that extends up to middle turbinate and covers the entire middle meatus. The patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and her pain episodes completely disappeared in the postoperative six months follow-up period.

Keywords: Barotrauma, Maxillary sinus, Endoscopic surgery