Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
09:49

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: January 20, 2023

Post-traumatic meningitis in children

Y L Lau, A P Kenna

    Injury
    |November 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Head injuries in children can lead to meningitis, a serious infection. Early recognition of symptoms like drowsiness and fever is crucial for timely treatment and improved outcomes in pediatric head injury cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Trauma Surgery

    Background:

    • Head injuries are common in children and can have serious complications.
    • Meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can occur after head trauma.
    • Understanding the incidence and risk factors for post-traumatic meningitis is important for patient management.

    Observation:

    • A retrospective study identified six pediatric cases of meningitis following head injury over 66 months.
    • The incidence of meningitis post-head injury was found to be 0.38%.
    • Common presenting symptoms included increasing drowsiness and fever, with pneumococcus being the most frequent causative organism.

    Findings:

    • Two of the six children with post-traumatic meningitis died; four survived without sequelae.
    • Meningitis occurred within the first week in four cases, with one case appearing 14 days after injury (Escherichia coli) and another 2 years later.
    • Periorbital hematomas were present in three patients, but cerebrospinal fluid leakage was absent. Skull radiography had limited utility in detecting basilar skull fractures.

    Implications:

    • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving survival rates in children with head injuries complicated by meningitis.
    • Surgical intervention, such as craniotomy with dural repair, can be effective in managing some cases.
    • Further research into prophylactic strategies and diagnostic markers for post-traumatic meningitis is warranted.

    More Related Videos

    Modified Mouse Model of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Incorporating Thinned-Skull Window and Fluid Percussion04:54

    Modified Mouse Model of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Incorporating Thinned-Skull Window and Fluid Percussion

    Published on: April 19, 2024

    A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)07:01

    A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)

    Published on: February 7, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Viral Meningitis01:18

    Viral Meningitis

    Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
    Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

    Brain Abscess l: Introduction

    A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
    Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

    Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

    DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...