Traumatic Brain Injury Caused by Toy: Abuse or Accidental?

Aldo Jose Ferreira da Silva1

  • 1Pediatric Neurosurgery, General State Hospital and at the Pediatric Neurosurgery Division of the Santa Mônica Teaching Maternity-Alagoas State University of Health Sciences, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.

World Neurosurgery
|August 21, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A 9-month-old infant experienced a chronic subdural hematoma from a toy accident. This case highlights non-accidental trauma as a key differential diagnosis in pediatric traumatic brain injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurotrauma
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in infants require careful diagnosis.
  • Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) can present with subtle symptoms.
  • Differentiating accidental injury from non-accidental trauma (NAT) is critical.

Observation:

  • A 9-month-old infant presented with persistent crying and developmental delays.
  • Computed tomography (CT) revealed a chronic subdural hematoma.
  • The hematoma was attributed to accidental injury from a rattle toy.

Findings:

  • Conservative management of the CSDH yielded positive outcomes.
  • The case underscores the importance of considering NAT in pediatric head injuries.
  • CSDHs in NAT cases often present as multiple and in specific locations.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation in pediatric head trauma.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to rule out abuse.
  • Understanding injury mechanisms aids in distinguishing accidental from inflicted injuries.