Post-traumatic seizures and factors associated among adult patients with depressed skull fractures at Mulago National Referral hospital; cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are common among patients with depressed skull fractures (DSF). Understanding the burden of post traumatic seizures and the factors associated among adult patients with DSF is important to improve clinical care.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic seizures among adult patients with DSF at Mulago National Referral hospital (MNRH).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 333 study participants between March 2021 and February 2022. Socio-demographic, clinical laboratory factors and anti-seizure medications were collected using a study questionnaire. Data was analysed to determine the prevalence of PTS and factors associated with occurrence of PTS among patients with DSF.

RESULTS

The mean age (±SD) of study participants was 31.2, (±10.5) years, with a male to female ratio of 10.4:1. Nearly half of the study participants had attained secondary level of education, while 31.6 % (105) were peasants (subsistence farmers). The overall prevalence of PTS among DSF study participants was 16.2 % (54participants). Late presentation of PTS was the highest at 9.0 % (30) followed by early PTS at 3.9 % [13] and immediate PTS at 3.3 % [11]. Moderate Glasgow coma score (GCS: 9-13), p < 0.015, severe traumatic brain injury (GCS: 3-8), p < 0.026 at the time of admission and midline brain shift (≥5mm), p < 0.009 were associated with PTS. Phenytoin (94.3 %) was the most commonly used ASM followed by phenobarbitone (1.4 %) and Valproate (1.1 %) among study participants.

CONCLUSION

Patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury and midline brain shift were associated with post traumatic seizures. Early identification and intervention may reduce the burden of posttraumatic seizures in this category of patients.

Traumatic open depressed cranial fracture causing occlusion of posterior superior sagittal sinus: Case report

RATIONALE

The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is the major dural sinuses that receive a considerable amount of venous drainage. Interruption of its posterior third has been suggested to cause intracranial hypertension and lead to potentially fatal consequences.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We presented a 22-year-old man with a severe headache and scalp bleeding after a head chop wound. Physical examination identified a 20-cm straight laceration in his parietooccipital scalp. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a depressed cranial fracture (DCF) in the left parietooccipital bone, a fracture line across the midline to the right side, and penetrations of bone fragments into the brain parenchyma.

DIAGNOSES

Traumatic open DCF in left parietooccipital bone.

INTERVENTIONS

An emergent left parietooccipital craniotomy, followed by cranioplasty to restore the depressed bone flap, was delivered to the patient. Postoperative CT confirmed successful elevation of the DCF and removal of intracerebral bone fragments. However, postoperative CT angiography (CTA) demonstrated an absence of venous flow distal to the fracture, suggesting occlusion of the posterior third of SSS. MRV revealed a persistent absence of venous flow in the posterior third of SSS with dilated cortical venous drainage. Anticoagulation treatment was initiated 3 days after surgery, and follow-up CTA and digital subtraction angiography showed gradually improved patency in the anterior and middle two-thirds of SSS.

OUTCOMES

Despite occlusion of the posterior third of SSS, patient's symptoms resolved after the operation and he was discharged without complications.

LESSONS

The favorable clinical outcome after complete occlusion of the posterior third of the SSS has rarely been reported and it might be explained by our timely surgical intervention and development of compensatory cerebral collateral circulation.

Dural Tears In Patients With Depressed Skull Fractures

BACKGROUND

The presence of skull fracture in patients sustaining traumatic brain injury is an important risk factor for intracranial lesions. Assessment of integrity of dura in depressed skull fracture is of paramount importance because if dura is torn, lacerated brain matter may be present in the wound which needs proper debridement followed by water tight dural closure to prevent meningitis, cerebral abscess, and pseudomeningocoele formation. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of dural tear in patients with depressed skull fractures.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Neurosurgery Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. All the patients of either patients above 1 year of age with depressed skull fracture were included in this study in consecutive manner. Patients were operated for skull fractures and per-operatively dura in the region of depressed skull fracture was closely observed for any dural tear. The data were collected on a predesigned pro forma.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients were included in this study out of which 57 (68.7%) were males and 26 (31.3%) were females. The age of the patients ranged from 1-50 (mean 15.71±13.49 years). Most common site of depressed skull fracture was parietal 32 (38.6%), followed by Frontal in 24 (28.9%), 21(25.3%) in temporal region, 5(6.0%) were in occipital region and only 1 (1.2%) in posterior fossa. Dural tear was present in 28 (33.7%) patients and it was absent in 55 (66.3%) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In depressed skull fractures, there are high chances of associated traumatic dural tears which should be vigilantly managed.

[Delayed endoscopic reconstruction of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus: Technical note]

INTRODUCTION

Reconstruction of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus usually requires a coronal incision. This extended approach may lead to paresthesia, unsightly scars, bruises and cicatricial alopecia. These complications encouraged several authors to endoscopic management of this kind of fractures. We present a delayed technique of reconstruction of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus by means of endoscopic hydroxyapatite filling.

TECHNICAL NOTE

Two incisions were performed behind the hair line. Subperiosteal dissection using a periosteal elevator was performed. A 30° angled endoscope was used to visualize the depression. The latter was filled by Hydroset® (Stryker, USA) as a bone substitute.

DISCUSSION

In the absence of contra-indication, the reconstruction of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus by means of endoscopic hydroxyapatite filling has many advantages including uneventful outcome, reduction of the hospital stay and a fast learning curve.

[Hemorrhagic infarction complicated by obliteration of the superior sagittal sinus by depressed skull fracture after a hammer injury: a case report]

The authors have encountered a case of compound depressed skull fracture in a 59 year-old-man complicated by occlusion of the anterior 1/3 part of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). He was hit by a hammer at the midline of the frontal region, and transferred to our emergency care unit. On admission, there was laceration of skin at the midline of the forehead, but the patient had no neurological deficit. Skull radiograph showed a depressed skull fracture over the SSS. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a small brain contusion adjacent to the depressed fracture. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed occlusion of the anterior 1/3 part of SSS, and extravasations of contrast medium from cortical arterioles and capillaries. CT taken at 4 hours after injury showed enlargement of the lesion with extravasations of contrast medium and the patient manifested consciousness disturbance at this point. Distribution of extravasations suggested the occurrence of hemorrhagic infarction. Elevation of the depressed skull was thus performed under general anesthesia. There was laceration of the dura 5 mm away from the SSS and lacerations of cortical vessels, but there was no apparent damage to SSS itself. The depressed bone was replaced with artificial bone. The patient was discharged without any neurological deficit. Preoperative angiography was helpful to understand the hemodynamics and risk of massive bleeding during the operation.

Reconstruction of a large complex skull defect in a child: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Major skull defects, especially in the anterior region, can present as a most disturbing deformity. Reconstructive cranioplasty can restore cerebral protection and improve craniofacial aesthetics. Complex and large skull defects in children often present reconstructive difficulties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this paper, an unusual case of a very large post-traumatic defect (318 cm(2)) in a child managed by a multidisciplinary team is described. The literature is reviewed.

CONCLUSION

The management of a large complex skull defect in children is still controversial. Each case should be extensively debated in craniofacial units. In our case, bioceramics proved to be an effective and good alternative for final skull reconstruction.

Depressed skull fracture overlying the superior sagittal sinus causing benign intracranial hypertension. Description of two cases and review of the literature

The purpose of this report is to describe successful surgical treatment of benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) in two patients presenting with depressed skull fractures over the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The first case involved a 22-year-old patient who presented with depressed skull fracture overlying the posterior third of the SSS. Symptoms of BIH developed within 48 h. The second case involved a 33-year-old patient who presented with depressed skull fracture overlying the junction between the middle and posterior thirds of the SSS. Symptoms of BIH developed 1 month after. Although this patient presented with bilateral papilloedema, the less straightforward nature of his BIH symptoms prompted us to undertake further neuroradiological assessment by angiography with retrograde venous catheterization. A high-pressure gradient was found between venous flow upstream and downstream from the compressed zone. Both patients underwent surgical decompression in the lateral decubital position. Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure was begun upon induction of general anaesthesia. High preoperative pressure declined immediately after elevation of the depressed zone. Bleeding was not a problem at any time during the procedure. Follow-up MRI and angio-MRI demonstrated total restoration of SSS patency. Benign intracranial hypertension is an uncommon complication of depressed skull fracture. Retrograde venous catheterization with pressure measurement can be a useful diagnostic adjunct. Surgical treatment is indicated in symptomatic patients. Based on the two cases reported, we now propose MRI venography in all patients presenting with symptoms of BIH and arteriography with retrograde venous catheterization when venous sinus stenosis exists.

Persistent intracranial hypertension caused by superior sagittal sinus stenosis following depressed skull fracture. Case report and review of the literature

Intracranial hypertension caused by a compound depressed skull fracture on the posterior part of the superior sagittal sinus is a rare condition, and nonspecific symptoms and signs can delay appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The authors report on a case of intracranial hypertension that persisted despite conservative treatment, including anticoagulation therapy, which did not improve severe flow disturbance related to the venous sinus compression. Management of this rare condition is discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Depressed fractures over cranial venous sinus

Seventeen patients with depressed fractures over cranial venous sinus who had undergone operations between 1993 and 1998 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 15 male and two female patients. Their ages ranged from 7 to 48 years. The most frequent causes of trauma were motor vehicle accident (in eight cases) followed by assault (in six cases). In the majority of cases, depressed fractures were localized over the superior sagittal sinus, and half of them were over the medial third of the sinus. In 11 cases, massive blood loss occurred intraoperatively that could be controlled by digital pressure with gelfoam or with a free muscle flap. Postoperative infection developed in one case and was treated successfully with antibiotic medication alone. Two patients died due to associated intracerebral lesions. The remaining 15 patients returned to daily living activity in the follow-up period.

Delayed intracranial hypertension and cerebellar tonsillar necrosis associated with a depressed occipital skull fracture compressing the superior sagittal sinus. Case report

Depressed skull fractures overlying the major venous sinus are often managed nonoperatively because of the high associated risks of surgery in these locations. In the presence of clinical and radiographic evidence of sinus occlusion, however, surgical therapy may be necessary. The authors present the case of a 9-year-old boy with a depressed skull fracture overlying the posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus. After initial conservative treatment, delayed signs of intracranial hypertension and a symptomatic tonsillar herniation with tonsillar necrosis developed. Possible causes as well as diagnostic and treatment options are reviewed.

Posttraumatic pneumocephalus-induced bilateral oculomotor nerve palsy

Bilateral third nerve palsy often points to the involvement of its nucleus. Third nerve palsy as a result of posttraumatic nuclear involvement is an extremely rare condition. A 23-year-old man presented with a depressed skull fracture after acute head trauma and had Glasgow Coma Scale Score of 9. The diameters of the pupils were 6.5 and 7.5 mm and they were not reactive to light stimulation. There was bilateral ptosis. Computed tomography (CT) relieved bilateral perimesensephalic pneumocephalus. We suggested that bilateral oculomotor nerve paresis might develop in association with posttraumatic bilateral perimesensephalic pneumocephalus, which affected the nucleus of the third nerve.

Simple depressed skull fracture causing sagittal sinus stenosis and increased intracranial pressure: case report and review of the literature

The surgical management of depressed skull fractures is determined in part by whether a fracture is open or closed. Open fractures are usually elevated surgically, but closed fractures are most often treated nonoperatively, and the only 2 indications commonly described for operative treatment of closed fractures are hematoma evacuation and correction of cosmetic deformity. There is another indication, however, that is occasionally encountered when a depressed skull fracture injures a venous sinus. This injury can result in venous sinus stenosis, leading to venous hypertension and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). A case is presented of closed depressed fracture of the midline skull, causing compressive stenosis of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), venous hypertension, and encephalopathy. The fracture was surgically elevated to relieve the compression of the SSS and the encephalopathy resolved. The clinical identification, the imaging, and the risks and benefits of operative repair of this condition are reviewed. Increased ICP secondary to venous sinus injury is not commonly described in association with closed depressed skull fractures, but should always be considered in patients with the appropriate clinical findings when a fracture overlies a venous sinus, even in the absence of a hematoma.

Delayed occurrence of intracranial supratentorial chondroma following compound depressed skull fracture

We describe an exceptional case of a frontal convexity chondroma arising at the site of a compound depressed skull fracture operated on 12 years earlier. We conclude that intracranial chondroma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a calcified mass for the patients who had had a compound, depressed skull fracture along the suture line, especially in cases of dural laceration by the fragmented bone.

Resolution of Intracranial Hypertension after Elevation of Depressed Cranial Fracture over the Superior Sagittal Sinus:Case Report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

It is common neurosurgical wisdom that depressed cranial fractures (DCFs) over the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) should not be elevated because of the risk of fatal venous hemorrhage.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 34-year-old man presented with severe headache and diplopia after a motor vehicle accident. Clinical examination demonstrated severe papilledema and bilateral abducens palsy. Imaging findings demonstrated a DCF over the posterior third of the SSS and absent flow distal to the fracture with dilated cortical venous drainage.

INTERVENTION:

Conservative treatment with acetazolamide only partially alleviated the patient's headache and diplopia. Definitive surgical treatment via elevation of the DCF was discussed and decided upon. Twelve days after injury, the patient underwent midline parieto-occipital craniotomy with successful elevation of the DCF off the posterior third of the SSS. Postoperative magnetic resonance venograms revealed restoration of patency in the SSS with reduced tortuosity of cortical veins. The patient's headache resolved, and his papilledema and diplopia resolved gradually.

CONCLUSION:

Elevation of DCF over the SSS can be attempted in cases in which favorable bone anatomy and the patient's clinical condition warrant. This may result in rapid and dramatic resolution of signs and symptoms of secondary intracranial hypertension.

Camel bite: an unusual type of head injury in an infant

Small children are predisposed for animal bite wounds in the craniofacial region, because the likelihood of sustaining trunk and extremity injuries increases with height. The clinical picture of animal bite wounds is highly variable. Depending on the dental anatomy of the biting animal, such wounds may range from sharp stitch wounds to extensive lacerations with or without tissue loss. The ears and nose are injured most often because of their exposed location. Nevertheless, depressed skull fractures with injury to the dura and to the brain parenchyma are extremely rare. This case presentation describes the rare case of a craniocerebral camel bite wound (Lackmann stage IV B) in a 3-year-old girl that required immediate neurosurgical management. The neurosurgical management, choice of antibiotic, postoperative treatment, and clinical course are discussed, and background information on camel bite injuries is given.

Reconstruction of a large post-traumatic cranial defect with a customized titanium plaque

The treatment of serious cranial defects has always been a fascinating and controversial issue for craniofacial surgeons and in the last years many solutions have been proposed. One of the most effective method is a personalized titanium plaque prepared by processing anatomical data obtained with a CAT of the patient. A case of wide cranial defect on the left fronto-parietal region in a 56-year-old man treated with a personalized titanium plaque obtained by processing the data of a spiral CAT of the skull is described. No complications were observed in the postoperative course and follow-up after 6 moths showed that the patient was in good general condition.

[Superior sagittal sinus occlusion caused by a compound depressed skull fracture: a case treated by emergency surgery]

Depressed skull fractures compressing major venous sinuses are rare, and the treatment is a matter of controversy. The majority of depressed fractures are treated conservatively for fear of bleeding from venous sinuses, but surgical intervention was conducted in a few cases. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with a compound depressed fracture occluding the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The patient was struck on the head by a heavy iron bar and admitted to our emergency center because of deterioration of consciousness. A computed tomographic scan showed depressed skull fracture overlying the SSS with hemorrhagic lesions in the bilateral parietal lobes and an acute epidural hematoma at the right temporoparietal convexity. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed an occlusion of the SSS and compensatory venous drainage associated with poor capillary filling in the left parietal lobe. On an emergency basis, bone fragments compressing the SSS were surgically removed piece-by-piece to resolve severe venous congestion and to avoid infection. A small tear in the SSS was treated by head elevation and compressing the SSS with Gelfoam. Postoperative DSA confirmed the patency of the SSS and normal blood flow in the left parietal lobe. The patient exhibited slight disorientation and was transferred to another hospital for further rehabilitation. Because of symptomatic severe venous congestion, we had to perform emergency surgical decompression and removal of bone fragments. Treatment strategy for depressed skull fracture with SSS involvement was discussed with review of the literature.

Transverse sinus air after cranial trauma

Air in vascular compartments has been rarely reported. We report a case in whom air within transverse sinus and sinus confluence through ruptured superior sagittal sinus (SSS) due to fractures of parietal and frontal bones was disclosed by computed tomography (CT). Although air in transverse sinus has been reported rarely this could be the first case with air in transverse sinus through the SSS after cranial trauma.

Antibiotics in compound depressed skull fractures

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether antibiotics reduce the incidence of meningitis in patients with compound depressed skull fracture. Altogether 198 papers were found using the reported search, of which one presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.

Osteogaleal flaps in pediatric cranioplasty

Reconstruction of cranial defects larger than 2 to 3 cm in diameter and frontal defects of any size is indicated for mechanical protection and cosmetic reasons. The authors used osteogaleal flaps for cranioplasty in 2 pediatric patients with the aim of decreasing infection risk and maximizing bone healing. In the first patient, bone was harvested from the diploë. Children's cranial bones are thin, and in the second patient the authors used full-thickness grafts of adjacent bone, splitting this into three pieces to cover the recipient and donor sites. The postoperative period was uneventful for both children. Scintigraphic studies performed the first week after surgery revealed uptake in the flaps. Computed tomography demonstrated rapid bone healing with good contouring. The scintigraphic findings and rapid bone healing suggest that the bone component of the osteogaleal flap nourishes the graft site with blood from the galea and the periosteum. These flaps are an ideal choice for reconstruction of cranial defects because of their membranous origin, ease of harvest, applicability to any part of the calvarium, and reliable vascularity.

Traumatic basilar artery occlusion caused by a fracture of the clivus--case report

A 56-year-old man presented with a rare traumatic basilar artery occlusion caused by a fracture of the clivus. He fell from the height of 2 meters and immediately fell into a coma. Head computed tomography (CT) revealed an open depressed fracture, an acute epidural hematoma 1 cm thick in the left middle frontal fossa, and a longitudinal fracture of the clivus. Emergency removal of the hematoma was performed with cranioplasty. Head CT 8 hours 50 minutes after injury showed infarctions in the brain stem, cerebellum, and occipital lobes. Cerebral angiography revealed occlusion of the basilar artery in the middle part of the clivus. The patient died after 3 days. Autopsy revealed that the basilar artery was trapped in the clivus fracture site. Vertebrobasilar artery occlusion due to trapping in a clivus fracture has a very poor prognosis. Diagnosis is difficult and generally only confirmed at autopsy. Cerebral angiography is recommended in a patient in a deep coma without massive brain contusion at the early stage of head injury to identify the possibility of vertebrobasilar artery occlusion in a clivus fracture.

Scalp closure without fracture elevation does not reduce the risk of infection in patients with compound depressed skull fractures

We conducted this study in order to determine whether suturing the scalp wound prior to referral for definitive surgery reduces the rate of wound infection in patients with compound depressed skull fracture and to propose guidelines for the initial management of the wound. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 79 patients with compound depressed skull fractures treated surgically in our unit between January, 1987 and August, 1998 and compared the rate of infection in patients who presented with open wounds with the rate in patients whose scalps were sutured prior to presentation to us. Adults and children were nearly equally represented in this study group. The male to female ratio was 3.6:1. Majority (49/79) of the fractures resulted from vehicular accidents. A total of 27 wounds were infected giving a rate of infection of 34%. Nine of the infections were present pre-operatively while the remaining 18 occurred post-operatively. Of the 52 patients with open wounds (OW) at presentation, 15 had wound infection. In the remaining 27 patients in whom the scalp had been sutured prior to referral (SW), there were 12 wound infections. There was no significant difference in the proportions of infected wounds between the two groups (X2 = 1.92, P > 0.5). In compound depressed skull fractures, suturing the scalp laceration alone prior to referral for definitive surgery did not reduce the rate of infection of the cranial wound. We recommend haemostasis, thorough irrigation of the scalp wound and application of sterile dressings prior to transfer for definitive management, in patients who do not have immediate access to neurosurgical care. Prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

Traumatic cranial empyemas: a review of 55 patients

A 15-year (1983-1997) review of our unit's computed tomographic experience with traumatic cranial empyema (TCE) is reported. Fifty-five patients with documented history and clinical evidence of neurotrauma with secondary cranial empyema at surgery were identified. The clinical records and CT scans were analysed. TCE [four extradural and 51 subdural collections (SDE)] accounted for 7.86% of the total cranial empyemas seen during the study period. Most of the patients were young males (44 patients) and neurological deficits on admission were found only in the SDE group. Forty-one of 53 patients presented with septic compound skull fractures. Fifty-four patients had urgent surgical drainage. Eighty per cent of patients experienced a good outcome (GOS 4 or 5). A morbidity of 16.4% (including postoperative seizures) was noted and eight patients died (mortality rate 14.5%). Urgent surgical drainage, removal of osteitic bone, wound debridement and high dose intravenous antibiotic therapy form the mainstay of treatment.

Brain abscesses from neglected open head injuries: experience with 17 cases over 20 years

We are reviewing our experience with 17 civilian cases with post-traumatic brain abscesses treated in the era of CT scanning over a period of 20 years. The principal cause for this intracranial complication was the neglected compound depressed fracture. One was a newborn infant with left parietal abscess caused by a vacuum extraction. We have used the following methods of treating the abscesses: single burr hole aspiration in the newborn with an excellent result; repeated aspiration, with debridement of the depressed fracture, in 5 cases (1 death); aspiration with early subsequent excision, via craniotomy, in 7 cases (no death), and primary excision, via craniotomy, in 4 cases (1 death). The early subsequent excision of the abscess, 2 or 3 days after the initial aspiration, has proved in our experience very satisfactory. In cases with bone fragment into the abscess cavity the excision of the abscess is indicated. The cultured pus from the abscess cavity showed mixed flora (streptococci and staphylococci) in 7 cases; staphylococcus aureus in 4; staphylococcus epidermidis in 2, and no growth in 4 cases. Antibiotics play an important role in the treatment of post-traumatic brain abscesses.

An unusual management of an open compound depressed skull fracture with venous sinus involvement. A case report

A neurosurgical management of an open compound depressed fracture perforating the superior sagittal sinus is reported. Undue bleeding from the fracture did not allow a conservative management. The patient had been operated primarily at an outside emergency surgery unit. Profuse uncontrollable bleeding made a tamponade of the sinus necessary for transportation to our neurosurgical department. After reconstruction of the sinus he survived without evidence of a neurological deficit.