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Maggots in the Brain: Sequelae of Ignored Scalp Wound
Ashish Aggarwal1, Prasant Maskara1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
World Neurosurgery
|October 1, 2017
Abstract:
A 26-year-old male had suffered a burn injury to his scalp in childhood and ignored it. He presented with a complaint of something crawling on his head. Inspection of his scalp revealed multiple maggots on the brain surface with erosion of overlying bone and scalp. He was successfully managed by surgical debridement and regular dressing.
Insights
A man
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- A childhood burn injury to the scalp, if neglected, can lead to severe complications.
- Myiasis, infestation of the body by fly larvae (maggots), can affect various tissues, including the scalp and brain.
- Delayed medical attention for scalp conditions increases the risk of invasive complications.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male presented with a sensation of something crawling on his head.
- Physical examination revealed extensive maggot infestation on the surface of the brain.
- Erosion of the overlying bone and scalp was evident due to the maggot infestation.
Findings:
- The patient's scalp and underlying bone showed significant erosion caused by maggot infestation.
- The maggots were found directly on the brain surface, indicating a deep and severe infestation.
- The case highlights the potential for neglected injuries to result in parasitic invasion.
Implications:
- Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are crucial for neglected injuries and unusual symptoms.
- Surgical debridement and wound care are essential for managing severe myiasis cases.
- This case underscores the importance of public health awareness regarding parasitic infections and wound management.
