Traumatic Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematomas in Childhood: Report of 6 Cases

Abstract

Objective: Traumatic Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematoma (PFEDH) in childhood is a rare entity, accounting for approximately 0,3 % of all craniocerebral injuries. In this retrospective study, we aimed to present our clinical experience about traumatic PFEDH in childhood that treated surgically. Methods: Between 2002 and 2008, 6 patients under 16 years-old, with traumatic PFEDH were treated surgically in Neurosurgery Department of Samsun Mehmet Aydin Education and Research Hospital. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission, radiological findings, associated lesions, type of trauma, clinical presentation, source of hematoma, surgical management and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) were evaluated for each patient. Results: There were 2 male and 4 female patients with the mean age of 7 (ranged from 2 to 15). GCSs on admission ranged from 4 to 13. Computed Tomography and plain radiographs of the skull were performed for all patients and all of them underwent suboccipital craniectomy. There was one mortality and other patients had excellent recovery. Conclusion: We conclude that an occipital trauma or fracture is diagnosed in emergency departments, CT should be performed immediately. Early diagnosis and surgery may be life-saving and give the patient a chance of total recovery.