Key in Brain: An Interesting Case of Civilian Penetrating Head Injury

Abstract

Civilian penetrating head injuries are not common, and the occurrence of such injuries in the pediatric population is rare. Pediatric penetrating head injuries are low-velocity injuries, resulting from household objects. Presentation entirely depends on the area of the brain involved. There are several management dilemmas related to the nature, size, shape, and location of the object, but always warrants removal of the foreign body into the operation theater. The outcome depends on the presenting neurological status of the patient, which reflects underlying parenchymal injury. We are reporting an interesting case of civilian penetrating head injury in a 5-year-old female child with a key in the brain. Computed tomographic scan of the brain revealed a household key penetrated through the right temporal bone. The patient underwent a surgical procedure for the removal of the key. She recovered well without any neurological deficit.

Iron Rod Penetrating Head Injury in a Child

“…Presenting neurological status depends on the severity of injury and damage to the underlying brain. 3 CT scan imaging of the brain is the primary modality used for the assessment of PBI. 4 Angiography is essential for vascular injury, depending upon the trajectory of the wound.…”

“…Civilian PBI is a low-velocity injury resulting from bizarre objects. 2,3 We reported a case of civilian penetrating injury in a 6-year-old girl child patient who fell over a projecting iron rod at a construction site from a height of 6 to 8 feet. She was lifted off from the iron rod and taken to emergency medical services.…”