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Child's Nervous System

Published in:

01-02-2006 | Case Report

Penetrating head injury in a paediatric patient caused by an electrical plug

Authors: Antonio López González, Antonio Gutiérrez Marín, José Andrés Álvarez Garijo, Manuel Vila Mengual

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 2/2006

Abstract

Introduction

Penetrating head injuries are rare especially in the paediatric age group. Relatively minor falls over common household objects can cause potentially life-threatening brain injuries.

Case report

We describe a penetrating head injury caused by a household electrical plug in a 6-month-old child. The two rounded pins of the plug were embedded in the posterior parietal area of her head, very close to the cranial midline. There was no neurological deterioration or bleeding. Radiological investigation showed a depressed skull fracture underneath the two pins. One of them came very close to the superior sagittal sinus but there was no evidence of intracranial bleeding. The electrical plug was extracted under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre. The penetrating fracture segments were removed. The sagittal venous sinus was fortunately undamaged.

Conclusions

Household objects like electrical plugs may constitute a risk for children. It may be worthwhile to reconsider the design of electrical plugs.

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Title: Penetrating head injury in a paediatric patient caused by an electrical plug
Authors: Antonio López González
Antonio Gutiérrez Marín
José Andrés Álvarez Garijo
Manuel Vila Mengual
Publication date: 01-02-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 2/2006
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1141-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Penetrating head injury in a paediatric patient caused by an electrical plug

Abstract

Introduction

Case report

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case report

Conclusions

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