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Self-inflicted oral injury in an infant with transverse myelitis

Daniela Almeida1, Kalini Nóbrega Neres da Costa, Rodolfo de Almeida Lima Castro

  • 1Postgraduate Student, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Veiga de Almeida University, Brazil.

Special Care in Dentistry : Official Publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry
|November 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in a child caused severe self-mutilation, including lip trauma and bruxism. Management involved dental care, a mouth guard, and corticosteroid ointment for lip healing.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Inflammatory Disorders

Background:

  • Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare inflammatory spinal cord disorder causing neurological deficits.
  • ATM can present with diverse and severe symptoms beyond typical motor and sensory dysfunction.

Observation:

  • A pediatric case of ATM with respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation is presented.
  • The patient exhibited severe self-mutilating behaviors, specifically lip trauma and bruxism.
  • Bruxism led to significant mobility of primary teeth.

Findings:

  • Comprehensive dental management, including sedation, was necessary for the patient's oral health.
  • Lip trauma was successfully treated using a soft, plastic mouth guard.
  • Corticosteroid ointment aided in the healing of lip lesions.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the unusual behavioral manifestations of ATM in children.
  • It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care, including dental and dermatological interventions, for managing complex pediatric neurological cases.
  • Early recognition and management of self-mutilation are crucial for preventing further injury and ensuring patient well-being.

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