Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
09:14

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

Published on: June 18, 2021

Spinal subdural haematomas in children with non-accidental head injury

P Koumellis1, N S McConachie, T Jaspan

  • 1Department of Neuroradiology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Spinal subdural hematomas occur in 44% of infants with non-accidental head injury. These injuries are often clinically silent, highlighting the need for thorough spinal imaging in suspected cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Forensic Medicine

Background:

  • Non-accidental head injury (NAHI) in infants poses significant diagnostic challenges.
  • Spinal injuries can be associated with NAHI but are often overlooked.
  • Early detection of spinal pathology is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of spinal pathology in infants diagnosed with non-accidental head injury.
  • To investigate the characteristics and clinical presentation of spinal injuries in this cohort.
  • To assess the utility of routine spinal MRI in infants with suspected NAHI.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 18 infants with NAHI between 2000 and 2007.
  • Dedicated MRI of the brain and spine was performed.
  • Spinal imaging protocols evolved, with routine whole-spine MRI implemented after 2005.

Main Results:

  • A high incidence of spinal subdural collections was observed in 44% (8/18) of cases.
  • These spinal collections were clinically occult in all affected infants and large in six cases.
  • All spinal subdural hematomas were associated with intracranial subdural hematomas.

Conclusions:

  • There is a high incidence of unsuspected spinal subdural hematomas in infants with NAHI.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between intracranial and spinal subdural collections in NAHI.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical significance and implications of these spinal findings.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage10:34

Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Published on: August 30, 2020

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
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...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...