🧠 When a Nasogastric Tube Ends Up in the Brain
This 3D CT scan shows an extremely rare — but very real — medical complication: a nasogastric (NG) tube that was unintentionally inserted through the nose and into the cranial cavity rather than the stomach.
Nasogastric tubes are commonly used to deliver nutrition, fluids, or medications into the stomach. However, in patients with severe facial trauma or skull base fractures, the thin bone of the cribriform plate can be breached — allowing an NG tube to enter the brain instead of the esophagus.
⚠️ Key lessons for clinicians:
• Always assess for facial or skull base fractures before placing an NG tube.
• Confirm tube position with X-ray or imaging before use.
• In high-risk patients, consider orogastric placement instead of nasogastric.
Although this complication is extremely rare, it can be fatal — highlighting that even “routine” procedures require careful attention and strict safety checks.
#MEDHM #MedX @IhabFathiSulima