Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
Delayed presentation of orbito-cerebral abscess caused by pencil-tip injury
Nir Seider1, Michael Gilboa, Elvira Lautman
1The Alberto Moscona Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. zayder@netvision.net.il
Insights
A pencil tip penetrating a child's eyelid led to a delayed orbital and brain abscess. This case highlights the importance of suspecting foreign bodies and intracranial injury in eyelid trauma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Penetrating eyelid trauma can present as seemingly minor injuries.
- Early detection of foreign bodies is crucial in pediatric ophthalmology.
Observation:
- A child sustained a pencil tip injury to the right upper eyelid.
- The injury initially appeared innocuous but led to delayed complications.
Findings:
- The patient developed a combined orbital and frontal lobe brain abscess three weeks post-injury.
- Radiologic imaging confirmed the extent of the abscess and foreign body presence.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists must maintain a high index of suspicion for orbital foreign bodies and intracranial injury in penetrating eyelid trauma.
- Prompt surgical and medical interventions are vital for managing such severe complications.
Abstract:
This report describes the clinical and radiologic findings of a child who was stabbed with a pencil tip in his right upper eyelid, in what initially appeared to be an innocuous injury. The child presented again 3 weeks later with a combined orbital and frontal lobe brain abscess. The mechanism of injury is discussed, the orbital and neuro-surgical interventions are detailed, and the medical treatment is presented. Ophthalmologists should have a high index of suspicion for orbital foreign bodies and possible intracranial injury in cases of penetrating eyelid trauma.
