title: Cerebral abscess after presumed superficial periorbital wound.
abstract: Penetrating wounds in the periorbital region may appear superficial and minor at first glance. The unique shape and thin bony roof of the orbit give these injuries a significant risk of associated intracranial penetration. This can initially be asymptomatic, and a high index of suspicion is essential to properly diagnose and treat these injuries. We report a case of an 8-year-old female who presented with delayed seizures from a frontal abscess resulting from such an injury. This article reviews the literature and discusses the appropriate management that should be used by emergency room and military physicians.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ecklund
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Mauer
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Ellenbogen
mesh_terms: D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications*