3-year-old falls twice at home in UAE, suffers brain haemorrhage

A three-year-old suffered a brain haemorrhage after falling twice at home. The little girl has recovered after undergoing a surgery at a hospital in Sharjah.

Retal was rushed to the Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah, recently after waking up with a severe headache in the middle of the night. Her parents told doctors that she had fallen from a height of about four feet while playing at home. She had developed a small bump at the back of her head, but did not exhibit any alarming symptoms.

An investigation revealed that she had another fall two weeks prior at home, causing an injury at the same spot, that went unnoticed.

Dr Ravi Dadlani, consultant neurosurgeon at the hospital, said: "Due to an enlarging blood clot and increasing headaches experienced by the child, we counselled the parents and explained the need for an emergency surgery. After due consent, Retal underwent a major surgery."

The two-and-a-half hour surgery involved the removal of a bone flap from the skull to access and clear the blood clot. The child made a rapid recovery and was discharged within five days.

The girl's father, Mohamed Ashou, said: "It has been a major eye-opener for us as parents to be more careful and not neglect minor falls that happen at home."

The hospital said children often bump their heads and it can be difficult to tell whether an injury is serious. "Head injuries are one of the most common causes of disability and mortality in children. Some apparent mild injuries, managed at home, can potentially result in severe complications and require immediate medical attention."

Dr Ravi added: "Parents must be educated about this possibility and, whenever in doubt, to get the child evaluated at a hospital."

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah