Differential Diagnosis for 9-Month-Old Male Fall from Couch
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Minor head trauma or scalp injury: Given the age of the child and the mechanism of injury (fall from a couch), a minor head trauma or scalp injury is the most likely diagnosis. This is because falls from low heights are common in this age group and often result in minor injuries.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bruising or soft tissue injury: The child may have bruising or soft tissue injury from the fall, which is a common consequence of such accidents.
- Fracture of the clavicle or humerus: Although less common, a fracture of the clavicle or humerus is possible if the child landed on their arm or shoulder.
- Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury: A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury is also a possibility, especially if the child hit their head during the fall.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intracranial hemorrhage or skull fracture: Although less likely, an intracranial hemorrhage or skull fracture is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be ruled out, especially if the child shows signs of severe head injury, such as vomiting, lethargy, or seizures.
- Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury is another potentially devastating condition that must be considered, especially if the child shows signs of neurological deficit or spinal instability.
- Abusive head trauma: In any case of a young child with a head injury, abusive head trauma must be considered and investigated, especially if the mechanism of injury is unclear or inconsistent with the child's presentation.
Rare Diagnoses
- Epilepsy or seizure disorder: Although rare, a seizure disorder or epilepsy may be unmasked by a head injury, and the child's presentation may be atypical.
- Arteriovenous malformation or other vascular anomaly: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition, an arteriovenous malformation or other vascular anomaly may be discovered incidentally during the evaluation of a head injury.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta or other bone disorder: A rare genetic disorder, osteogenesis imperfecta or other bone disorders may increase the child's susceptibility to fractures and other injuries.