Delayed diffuse neurodegeneration after cerebral concussion

Abstract

A 27-month-old girl developed severe diffuse neurological disability that was progressive between 2 weeks and 2 years after a closed head injury. After stabilization of her disability for 1 year, mild improvement in neurological function began in the third year after the concussion. Multiple imaging studies of the neural axis remained normal during a 5-year period after the initial injury. Delayed and diffuse trauma-induced neuronal apoptosis is a pathogenic mechanism that could explain this unusual neurodegenerative syndrome.