An unusual mechanism for brain abscess formation in a child.
Childs Nerv Syst 2009;
25:1035-8. [PMID:
19319540 DOI:
10.1007/s00381-009-0863-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Intracranial infection is an uncommon but serious complication of head injury.
CASE REPORT
This study describes a boy with a traumatic head injury caused by his mother's teeth stemming from a traffic accident, without initial alteration of consciousness or focal neurological signs, who subsequently developed an occipital lobe abscess 3 weeks later. Brain abscess culturing yielded human oral flora. To date, our case is the only report documenting skull fracture with subsequent brain abscess formation caused by human oral flora stemming from traumatic injury from his mother's teeth.
DISCUSSION
A high index of suspicion should be maintained, and early imaging such as computed tomography should be considered for patients with symptoms of intracranial infection or who are at high risk, even after a minor head injury. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy based on knowledge of the causative microbes, and surgery are the major prognostic factors for brain abscess.
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