Differential Diagnosis for a Child with Head Trauma and Fits
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Post-Traumatic Seizure: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of head trauma. Seizures can occur immediately after the injury or may be delayed. The mechanism of injury and the severity of the trauma play a significant role in determining the risk of post-traumatic seizures.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Concussion: While a concussion itself may not directly cause fits, it is a common consequence of head trauma and can be associated with post-concussive syndrome, which may include symptoms like seizures in some cases.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage (Subdural, Epidural, Subarachnoid): Head trauma can lead to various types of intracranial hemorrhages, which can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to seizures among other symptoms.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI encompasses a range of injuries from mild (like concussion) to severe. Seizures can be a complication of TBI due to the direct injury to brain tissue.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epilepsy: Although less common, head trauma can unmask or trigger epilepsy in predisposed individuals. Missing this diagnosis could lead to inadequate management of seizures.
- Meningitis or Encephalitis: Infection can be a complication of head trauma, especially if there is a breach in the dura mater, leading to meningitis or encephalitis, both of which can cause seizures.
- Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur after head trauma, leading to seizures among other neurological deficits.
Rare Diagnoses
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) or Aneurysm: Pre-existing vascular malformations can rupture due to head trauma, leading to hemorrhage and potentially causing seizures.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: If the head trauma led to a period of hypoxia or ischemia, this could result in brain injury and seizures.
- Child Abuse (Non-Accidental Injury): In cases where the history of trauma does not match the injury, or if there are repeated episodes of trauma, child abuse should be considered, as it can lead to a range of neurological symptoms including seizures.