Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
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To study the clinical profile and factors associated with post-traumatic headache (PTH) in children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) attending an urban public hospital. ⋯ PTH was found to be common after mTBI in children. Protocolized follow-up and directed history taking for PTH in all children with mTBI, who are frequently discharge from the emergency department after first aid, will lead to appropriate diagnosis and management of this problem.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low-middle income countries. Guideline implementation has been associated with mortality reduction in high-income countries (HIC), but it is not known if hospitals in low and middle-income countries possess the resources to implement the pre-hospital TBI guidelines and the guidelines for the management of severe pediatric traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Pediatric TBI ICP/CPP management guidelines require numerous resources not widely sourced in LMIC. The creation of international guidelines that outline recommendations of care for LMIC may benefit patient care and outcomes in these settings.
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Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs), previously also known as venous angiomas, are variations of normal trans-medullary veins draining from white and gray matter. DVAs are usually asymptomatic and mostly discovered incidentally on brain imaging. However, some studies have reported symptomatic cases associated with DVAs. ⋯ Obstructive hydrocephalus following aqueductal stenosis caused by DVAs is very rare; nonetheless, it can be considered as a causal differential diagnosis for hydrocephalus. Whether ETV should be chosen, as the technique for diversion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, remains controversial. This case report showed that ETV was effective and safe.
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Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a common cause of intracranial hemorrhage in children, which can result in elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral edema. We sought to explore the role of initial decompressive craniectomy at time of rupture, followed by interval surgical AVM resection, compared to treatment with initial resection, in clinical outcomes and recovery in children. ⋯ Children presenting with AVM rupture who require emergent decompression may safely undergo emergent craniectomy with interval AVM resection and cranioplasty without additional risk of morbidity or mortality. This is reasonable in those with elevated intracranial pressure. This strategy may provide time for initial recovery and allow for natural degradation of the hematoma enhancing the plane for interval AVM resection, perhaps improving outcomes.
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The use of decompressive craniectomy in children is controversial and often reserved for patients with refractory intracranial hypertension. Following decompression, skin closure in select cases can be challenging due to brain herniation and swelling through the craniectomy defect. In these cases, partial cortical debridement is sometimes performed. ⋯ We believe that use of a synthetic skin substitute for skin closure after decompression is a suitable option for closure of traumatic scalp wounds and may contribute to improved functional outcome in patients with severe intraoperative brain swelling.