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Falciparum malaria presenting as subdural hematoma
S C Chaudhary1, S K Sonkar, Vivek Kumar
1Department of Medicine, CSM Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Falciparum malaria can cause severe complications. This case highlights an unusual central nervous system complication, subdural hematoma, in an elderly patient with severe thrombocytopenia.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Falciparum malaria is a prevalent tropical disease with potentially fatal complications.
- Central nervous system involvement in malaria can manifest in various ways.
Observation:
- An 85-year-old male presented with falciparum malaria.
- The patient exhibited severe thrombocytopenia.
Findings:
- The patient developed a subdural hematoma, an uncommon complication of falciparum malaria.
- This neurological complication was secondary to severe thrombocytopenia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diverse and severe neurological complications of falciparum malaria.
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations in elderly patients with malaria and thrombocytopenia.
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