[The problem of diffuse cranial hyperostosis following cerebral trauma in early childhood--a case report]

This is a report on an uncommon case of cranial hyperostosis with generalised considerable thickening of the calvarium. As a consequence of a cerebral trauma in early childhood the patient developed an intracerebral haematoma. Subsequently a disturbance of brain growth with posttraumatic, symptomatic epilepsy was noted. The anticonvulsant long-term treatment was mainly based on dilantin (diphenylhydantoin). Two different reasons for the distinct skull changes in the present case must be taken into consideration. Firstly, a widening of the dipole induced by dilantin, and secondly, a compensatory thickening of the vault with alterations of the skull base as seen in cerebral atrophy or after relieved hydrocephalus. These mechanisms are discussed with regard to the relevant literature.