[A sibling of delayed post-anoxic encephalopathy after strangulation]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Toxicology

Background:

• Strangulation can lead to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
• Delayed post-anoxic encephalopathy is a rare but serious complication.

Observation:

• Two siblings presented with delayed neurological deficits after strangulation.
• Symptoms included tetraplegia and choreoathetosis, affecting the basal ganglia.
• MRI confirmed basal ganglia lesions.

Findings:

• Delayed neuronal death in the basal ganglia was hypothesized.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) led to symptom improvement.
• HBOT may mitigate hypoxic neuronal damage.

Implications:

• HBOT could be a therapeutic option for delayed post-anoxic encephalopathy.
• Basal ganglia vulnerability to hypoxia warrants further investigation.
• Understanding peculiar local circulation may reveal treatment targets.