Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
26.9K
Tonsillar contusion associated with benign tonsillar ectopia following minor head trauma
Yonatan Serlin1, Mony Benifla2, Ilan Shelef3
1The Laboratory for Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel. serliny@post.bgu.ac.il.
Summary
Even minor head injuries can cause cerebellar contusion in toddlers with benign tonsillar ectopia. This finding suggests that noticeable tonsillar herniation is not the only risk factor for hindbrain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Traumatology
Background:
- The link between tonsil position and symptomatic cerebellar contusion remains unclear.
- Existing literature primarily focuses on Chiari malformations (tonsillar displacement ≥5 mm) as a cause of hindbrain injury.
- Symptomatic traumatic brain injury linked to benign tonsillar ectopia has not been previously reported.
Observation:
- A case study of a toddler experiencing a symptomatic concussion with an incidental finding of benign tonsillar ectopia.
- Unusual computerized tomography (CT) findings revealed hemorrhagic contusion of the cerebellar tonsils.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies demonstrated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and delayed atrophy.
Findings:
- Benign tonsillar ectopia, not just overt herniation, can predispose individuals to cerebellar contusion.
- Cerebellar structures may be damaged even after minor head trauma in cases of benign tonsillar ectopia.
- The study highlights the clinical significance of benign tonsillar ectopia in pediatric head injuries.
Implications:
- The current understanding of hindbrain injury risk factors needs reevaluation.
- Clinicians should consider benign tonsillar ectopia as a potential risk factor for cerebellar injury following concussion.
- This case broadens the perspective on the relationship between cerebellar tonsil position and traumatic brain injury outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
3.3K
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
3.3K
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
571
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
571
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
15.0K
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
15.0K
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
5.8K
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
5.8K
01:30Epistaxis
727
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
727
01:10Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon
652
The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) phenomenon is a cognitive experience characterized by a temporary inability to retrieve specific information from memory despite having a strong feeling of knowing the information. Although individuals cannot access the target word or detail, they frequently recall related elements, such as its initial letter, syllable count, or context. This partial retrieval often causes frustration, as one might recognize a familiar face or know that a name starts with a specific...
652