Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects
09:00

The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects

Published on: October 2, 2014

Traumatic acute giant epidural hematoma in a hydrocephalic shunted child

E Bor Seng Shu1, R J de Almeida Leme, P H Aguiar

  • 1Division of Neurological Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|August 15, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Extradural hematoma (EDH) is a rare but serious complication of head trauma in children. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for recovery, especially in shunted hydrocephalic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Trauma Management
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Extradural hematoma (EDH) is a rare complication of pediatric head trauma.
  • Prompt treatment is essential for favorable outcomes in EDH cases.
  • Hydrocephalic children with shunts present unique challenges in trauma management.

Observation:

  • A case of a hydrocephalic child with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt who developed an extradural hematoma after mild head injury.
  • The child remained asymptomatic initially, followed by rapid deterioration and a fatal outcome.
  • The extradural hematoma was of venous origin and presented atypically.

Findings:

  • The ventriculoperitoneal shunt may mask the clinical symptoms of a large extradural hematoma.
  • Rapid clinical deterioration can occur despite initial asymptomatic presentation.
  • Computed tomographic (CT) scanning is vital for early diagnosis in these patients.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for vigilant monitoring and early CT scanning in shunted children with head injuries, even if asymptomatic.
  • Emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnosis and intervention to prevent fatal outcomes from extradural hematoma.
  • Underscores the atypical presentation and rapid progression possible in hydrocephalic patients with EDH.

More Related Videos

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model09:14

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model

Published on: June 18, 2021

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...