• Abdullah Khan, Moosa Azadian, David Richter, Timothy P Young, and Heather M Kuntz.
• From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University Hospital, Loma Linda, CA.
• Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022 Feb 1; 38 (2): e618e621e618-e621.

ObjectiveIntracranial space occupying lesions (ICSOLs) like tumors and abscesses can be life-threatening conditions. It can be especially difficult to diagnose these conditions in toddlers. We aimed to describe symptoms and signs present in a sample of toddlers with ICSOLs.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of 15 toddlers with intracranial tumors, abscesses, or infected cysts. We collected data on the presence of various signs and symptoms on presentation to the emergency department.ResultsEight toddlers (53%) presented with vomiting. A change in behavior was the second most common symptom (6, 40%). Seven children (47%) had motor weakness, and 5 (33%) had ataxia. Eleven of the 12 children with tumors (92%) had documented abnormal neurologic signs on initial physical examination.ConclusionsVomiting, a change in behavior, and an abnormal neurologic examination were common signs and symptoms in our sample of toddlers with ICSOLs. An accurate history and appropriate neurologic examination can help physicians make this challenging diagnosis in this age group.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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