High-Voltage Electrical Burn Requiring Urgent Scalp Reconstruction after Developing a Brain Abscess

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Electrical burn injuries, particularly high-voltage ones, pose significant risks for extensive tissue damage and potential neurological complications.
• Scalp defects resulting from such injuries present unique challenges in reconstruction and patient management.

Observation:

• A patient sustained a large full-thickness scalp defect after contact with a high-voltage power line.
• Progressive global weakness was noted early in the patient's presentation.
• An incidental extradural abscess was discovered, complicating the clinical picture.

Findings:

• The patient required urgent surgical intervention for the extradural abscess.
• Scalp reconstruction was successfully achieved using a free myocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap.
• No postoperative complications occurred following the flap reconstruction.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilant assessment for concurrent neurological complications in severe electrical burn injuries.
• Multidisciplinary management is crucial for addressing complex cases involving tissue defects and unexpected findings like abscesses.
• While surgical reconstruction can be successful, long-term functional deficits may persist, necessitating comprehensive rehabilitation and support.