11-year-old boy saved from brain damage after school conflict

City Children's Hospital successfully treated an 11-year-old boy who suffered a severe brain hemorrhage following an altercation with a classmate.

On 15/7, Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of City Children's Hospital, reported that an 11-year-old patient from Tay Ninh was admitted in a coma with full-body rigidity. Doctors diagnosed the child with intracranial and intraventricular hemorrhage, brain edema, and a depressed skull fracture, with multiple bone fragments embedded in the brain parenchyma.

The incident occurred during a dispute between the boy and a classmate at their elementary school. During the argument, the classmate used sharp scissors to stab the left side of the boy's head. Initially, the wound bled only slightly, and the boy received first aid and stitches at a local health station. However, about half an hour after returning home, he suddenly vomited, experienced seizures, and became semi-conscious. His family immediately rushed him to emergency care, leading to his transfer to TP HCM for specialized treatment.

Dr. Tien stated that examination results confirmed the child suffered from intracranial hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, brain edema, and a depressed skull fracture. The on-call surgical team performed emergency surgery to remove the hematoma, address the fractured bone fragments, and relieve intracranial pressure.

Following surgery, the recovery process faced challenges due to infection, requiring doctors to adjust broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens. Thanks to intensive treatment efforts, the patient was successfully weaned off the ventilator and had the drainage tube removed.

Dr. Tien warned that head injuries in young children, while sometimes appearing minor externally, carry a significant risk of severe brain damage. Parents must bring children to the hospital immediately if they observe signs such as excessive vomiting, lethargy, or prolonged unconsciousness following an impact.

To prevent such unfortunate incidents, families and schools must collaborate to educate children on emotional control and conflict resolution through dialogue. Additionally, parents should regularly check school supplies and remind children not to bring sharp or dangerous objects to school.