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Growing skull fracture presenting with late-onset seizures: a case report
Saraswati Vivek1, Merry Francis Kallely2, Raja K Kutty2
1Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India. saraswativivek25@gmail.com.
Insights
Growing skull fractures (GSF) are a rare pediatric head trauma complication. Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent long-term neurological deficits in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Neurology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Growing skull fractures (GSF) are infrequent but severe consequences of pediatric head injuries.
- The pediatric skull's fragility and the dura mater's adherence increase susceptibility to tearing, leading to GSF.
- GSF can manifest through diverse symptoms, notably seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of growing skull fracture presenting as seizures in an infant.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and surgical management of GSF.
- To highlight seizures as a key clinical presentation of GSF.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 1-year-old girl with a right-sided scalp swelling and seizures.
- Diagnosis of GSF confirmed, linked to a prior head injury in infancy.
- Surgical management involving dural repair and osseous reconstruction.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with seizures and scalp swelling, indicative of GSF.
- Surgical repair of the dura and skull reconstruction were successfully performed.
- Timely intervention prevented potential long-term neurological impairments.
Conclusions:
- Seizures can be a significant presenting symptom of growing skull fractures in children.
- Prompt medical evaluation and surgical treatment are essential for managing GSF.
- Early management of GSF is critical to mitigate risks of permanent neurological damage.
Abstract:
Growing skull fractures (GSF) are a rare but serious complication of pediatric head trauma. The condition primarily affects children due to the weak, thin skull, and tightly adherent dura, which is more prone to tearing. GSF can present in various ways, including seizures. We report a case of a 1-year-old girl who presented with seizures and a right-sided scalp swelling. The swelling was found to be due to a GSF, resulting from a previous head injury when the child was 2 months old. The child was managed with surgery, during which the dura was repaired along with osseous reconstruction. Neglected cases of GSF can lead to long-term neurological impairments, underscoring the importance of early recognition and intervention. This case highlights seizures as an important presentation of GSF and emphasizes the need for timely treatment.
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