Ischemic Lesions in Basal Ganglia in Children After Minor Head Injury.
Twenty-three children under the age of 7 developed immediate unilateral weakness after an
apparently minor head injury. CT disclosed a hypodense lesion in the basal ganglia. The lesion
appeared to be caused by an infarct in the basal ganglia. All but one of the children recovered com
pletely within 4 months. The injuries occurred from falling from a bed, chair, table, tripping while
running or falling from a height of l to 2 stairs. Each child developed a unilateral weakness immedi
ately after the injury, primarily in the upper limb. Ten patients had an upper motor neuron type of
facial paresis. Only 3 children had an altered level of consciousness. Dr. Lawrence Marshall notes
that even in minor head injury, cerebral ischemia may be a significant problem. If these patients had
other injuries or were given medications that resulted in hypotension, it could be speculated that the
secondary brain injury could lead to permanent neurologic deficits. Neurosurgery 33:863, Nov. 93.