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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
[Severe Head Injury in Childhood: the Importance of Early Offensive Therapy]
J Knor1,2,3, J Pekara3, P Pavlíček4
1Zdravotnická záchranná služba Středočeského kraje, Kladno.
Insights
A five-year-old boy experienced a severe head injury after a fall, developing cerebral edema. Prompt, specialized care, including controlled ventilation and transport, prevented serious consequences, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neurocritical Care
Background:
- Severe head injuries in children require prompt diagnosis and management.
- Maintaining intracranial pressure and ensuring adequate oxygenation are critical.
Observation:
- A five-year-old boy sustained a head injury from a fall, leading to a decreased level of consciousness.
- CT scan revealed cerebral edema in the left temporal region and lung aspiration.
Findings:
- Controlled ventilation and pharmacotherapy were initiated to manage brain pressure-volume homeostasis.
- Gentle transport to a specialized center was crucial for preventing secondary brain injury.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of specialized care in managing severe pediatric head trauma.
- Effective management of cerebral edema and airway protection can lead to favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
The case report presents the case of a five-year-old boy who fell off a scooter and sustained a blow to the left temporal region of his head. During a CT examination in the district hospital he suddenly showed a deterioration in the level of consciousness. Subsequent treatment along with transport to a specialized department were aimed at preventing secondary pathological changes and maintaining pressure-volume homeostasis of the brain. High-quality controlled ventilation with effective pharmacotherapy and gentle transport were essential. At the target specialized department, cerebral oedema in the left temporal region and aspiration in the right upper lung lobe were identified. The boy was extubated after 6 hours of controlled ventilation and discharged to an intermediate care bed two days later without any serious consequences. Key words: cerebral oedema, haemodynamic swelling, severe head injury.
