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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Severe posttraumatic craniocervical instability in the very young patient. Report of three cases
Saadi Ghatan1, David W Newell, M Sean Grady
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, Children's Hospital of New York, New York 10032, USA. Sg2160@columbia.edu
Insights
Young children with severe craniocervical injuries can recover well with prolonged immobilization. This study highlights effective management strategies for pediatric craniovertebral junction trauma survivors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Children under 3 are at high risk for severe cervical and craniovertebral injuries.
- Limited data exist on managing craniocervical trauma in very young survivors after initial stabilization.
Observation:
- Three pediatric patients (1-32 months) presented with craniocervical junction injuries.
- Neurological deficits varied, including cranial nerve deficits, obtundation, and quadriparesis.
Findings:
- All three children underwent prolonged immobilization for their injuries.
- Remarkable recovery was observed, with minimal to no residual neurological deficits.
Implications:
- Prolonged immobilization appears effective for managing severe pediatric craniocervical junction injuries.
- These findings suggest favorable outcomes are possible for young survivors of significant craniovertebral trauma.
- Further research into optimal management protocols for this vulnerable population is warranted.
Abstract:
Children younger than 3 years of age represent a distinct subpopulation of patients at particular risk for high cervical and craniovertebral injuries. There are few descriptions of survivors of severe craniocervical trauma among the very young, and scarce data exist regarding management after initial emergency stabilization. The authors describe three children, age 1 to 32 months, who presented with craniocervical junction injuries. Variable neurological findings were observed at presentation (cranial nerve deficits, obtundation, and moderate-to-severe quadriparesis). All three were treated with prolonged immobilization and have recovered with minimal to no neurological deficit.
