A pediatric chronic subdural hematoma after dodgeball head injury

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2010 Sep;26(9):667-8. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181f05475.

Abstract

Chronic subdural hematoma is a subdural hematoma that is older than 3 weeks. Chronic subdural hematoma is predominantly a disease of the elderly and is rare in children. Its common manifestations are altered mental state and focal neurological deficits. We report here a rare case of chronic subdural hematoma in a 9-year-old child due to repeated minor dodgeball head injuries. Although such a case has never been reported in sport, the risk still exists. No altered mental state or focal neurological deficits were observed; the child presented with intermittent severe headache with nausea and vomiting. There was also no evidence of child abuse; however, the history of repeated minor head injuries during playing was significant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / complications*
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography
  • Head Injuries, Closed / complications*
  • Head Injuries, Closed / diagnosis
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed