Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
07:56
Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
Posttraumatic human cerebral myiasis
Sergei Terterov1, Alexander Taghva, Matthew MacDougall
1Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Los Angeles, California, USA. terterov@usc.edu
World Neurosurgery
|October 6, 2010
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of cerebral myiasis (brain infestation by fly larvae) in a trauma patient. Prompt surgical intervention and antibiotics led to a positive long-term outcome, highlighting effective management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Cerebral myiasis is an extremely rare condition, with only eight reported human cases globally.
- This case represents the first documented instance of cerebral myiasis in the United States secondary to head trauma.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old HIV-positive male presented with severe facial fractures and extensive maggot infestation of the brain following an assault.
- The patient had open depressed bifrontal sinus fractures with dural erosion and exposed cerebral cortex.
Findings:
- Surgical evacuation of maggots, debridement of necrotic tissue, and sinus exenteration were performed.
- Postoperative treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotics for polymicrobial meningitis/encephalitis.
- The patient achieved functional recovery and returned to employment.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that aggressive surgical management and antibiotic therapy can lead to successful outcomes in cerebral myiasis.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing this rare parasitic infestation.
- Larval presence may offer some protection against concurrent bacterial infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:26Brain 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,...
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:22Cerebral 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...