Media Release
Sharjah, Oct 18: A three-year-old toddler was brought to the Pediatric Emergency of Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah during the wee hours of the morning after waking up in the middle of the night due to severe headache. Retal had fallen from a height of 3–4 feet, while playing at home the day prior, but showed no immediate alarming symptoms like loss of consciousness, seizures, ear or nose bleed or vomiting. She had developed a small bump at the back of her head, which is quite common during falls. Dr Hassan Badr consultant paediatrician and Dr Ali Kaja specialist paediatrician attended to the emergency and referred the case to Dr Ravi Dadlani consultant neurosurgeon for further consultation and treatment.
Retal had a similar injury on the same spot whilst falling on her head, yet again at home, 2 weeks prior that went unnoticed.
Initial CT scan performed on the child revealed a blood clot in the posterior part near the base of the skull containing the cerebellum and brain stem. The ‘chronic’ blood clot (indicating bleeding from an injury between 1- 3 weeks old) suggested of an old injury. An overlying skull fracture was also shown.
Another CT scan of the brain was scheduled in six hours to monitor Retal’s condition. The diagnosis reported a change in the density of the haemorrhage indicating an active ongoing haemorrhage within the old hematoma also called ‘acute-on-chronic haemorrhage’.
Children often bump or bang their heads, and it can be difficult to tell whether an injury is serious or not. A head injury can be as mild as a bump, bruise, or cut on the head. Or it can be a concussion, a deep cut or open wound, broken skull bones, internal bleeding, or damage to the brain. Head injuries are one of the most common causes of disability and mortality in children. Some apparent mild injuries, managed at home, can potentially result in severe complications and require immediate medical attention.
Dr Ravi Dadlani consultant neurosurgeon at Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah commented: “Due to an enlarging blood clot and increasing headache experienced by the child, we counselled the parents and explained the need for emergency surgery. After due consent, Retal underwent major surgery to evacuate the hematoma.”
The two and a half hour surgery, called Craniotomy was performed by Dr Ravi Dadlani. The surgery involved the removal of a bone flap from the skull to access and clear the blood clot. A postoperative CT scan revealed complete removal of the blood clot.
The child made a rapid recovery and was discharged from the hospital within five days.
Speaking of his daughter's condition, Mohamed Ashou said, “I am happy to see my daughter out of danger and doing her regular activities just like before. It has been a major eye-opener for us as parents to be more careful and not neglect minor falls that happen at home. It was initially hard for us to comprehend that our three-year-old had to undergo major surgery but Dr Ravi and the team at Zulekha Hospital assured us all the support and the treatment given made us feel at home.”
“We’d like to highlight that this child had repeated head injuries while playing at home and had an expanding brain haemorrhage from minor trauma. It is essential to draw attention to these minor injuries sustained by children at home that may result in severe complications. Parents must be educated to this possibility and whenever in doubt to get the child evaluated at a hospital,” adds Dr Ravi Dadlani Parasram.
Keeping a close eye on children when they are climbing on the furniture or playing on the ground, keeping window guards on all windows, childproofing the house to minimize bruises and bumps, following age recommendations on toys, especially those with small parts, and making sure toys are in good repair are some of the safety tips to keep in mind to ensure wellbeing and security of kids at home.
About Zulekha Healthcare Group
Zulekha Healthcare Group is a Superbrand and among the forerunners in UAE healthcare. Today the Zulekha Healthcare Group includes two multidisciplinary hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah, as well as four UAE medical centres and three pharmacies providing specialized treatments in over 30 disciplines. The group also has a multidisciplinary hospital in India - Alexis. Zulekha Hospital has received extensive recognition for its commitment towards quality care and sustainable business practices, and recently received the prestigious Dubai Quality Award for the second time in four years, underling a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to patients and society.
Media Contact:
Zainab Chakkiwala - Executive - Public Relations & Communications
Ph: +971 6 5069328 /050-6416554
Email: zchakkiwala@zulekhahospitals.com
Sameena Khanam - Senior manager PR and Communication
Zulekha Hospitals +971 6 5069254
Email: skhanam@zulekhahospitals.com
Website: www.zulekhahospitals.com