Penetrating traumatic brain injury resulting from a cockerel attack: case report and literature review

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury is common in children and can lead to death or considerable, long-lasting morbidity. We present the case of a 10-month-old female child who presented after being attacked by a cockerel in a chicken coop. Following a seizure, an MRI scan revealed an intracerebral haemorrhage underlying a stab-type wound inflicted by the bird. Animal bite injuries are common worldwide but they rarely cause intracranial injuries. Domestic hens are rarely dangerous but can become defensive or aggressive during breeding periods or when protecting their territory. To date, only a handful of articles have reported on wounds inflicted by chicken beaks. Those reported were largely facial or ocular injuries. Infectious complications have also been encountered post-injury. This is to our knowledge the first report of a bird attack resulting in significant penetrating traumatic brain injury. Children should be cautioned by guardians to avoid unsupervised contact with chickens, particularly during breeding. Attacks to the neurocranium when they occur must be taken seriously and not treated as humorous or insignificant. Imaging appropriate to the child’s clinical condition should be pursued and appropriate intervention and antibiotic treatment should be implemented.