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Updated: May 13, 2026
A Mouse Model of Single and Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 20, 2017
[A toddler with traumatic brain injury]
Aernoud T L Fiolet1, Ilse Hellinga, K S Sen Han
1Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Utrecht, the Netherlands. a.t.l.fiolet@students.uu.nl
Insights
A pediatric cranial burst fracture occurred after a fall, causing brain tissue extrusion. Prompt neurosurgical intervention and repair led to a full recovery without neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Traumatic brain injury
- Craniofacial trauma
Background:
- A 14-month-old boy sustained a fall from 3 meters, resulting in a left parieto-occipital hematoma and swelling.
- Initial computed tomography (CT) revealed a multifragmentary parietotemporal skull fracture.
Observation:
- Progressive swelling during hospitalization prompted further investigation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- MRI demonstrated extrusion of brain tissue through a skull defect into the subgaleal space, indicative of a cranial burst fracture.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of cranial burst fracture was established based on imaging findings.
- Neurosurgical intervention included resection of extruded brain tissue and dural repair.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical management of cranial burst fractures in pediatric patients are crucial.
- Successful surgical repair can lead to favorable outcomes with no neurological deficits, as demonstrated in this case.
Abstract:
A 14-month-old boy presented with a haematoma and an oedematous swelling in the left parieto-occipital region after sustaining a fall from 3 meters. CT images of the brain showed a multifragmentary fracture in the parietotemporal region. Because the swelling progressed during admission, an MRI of the brain was performed, which revealed extrusion of brain tissue through a skull defect into the subgaleal space. Resultantly, the diagnosis of 'cranial burst fracture' was established. After neurosurgical resection and dural repair, the boy was discharged from the hospital without neurological symptoms.
