Simple symptoms as the principle manifestations of invasive brain and CNS lesions: two case reports from the UAE of a crying infant and a child with strabismus for many years

ABSTRACT

Invasive lesions of the brain and nervous system as a group is one of the most important causes of mortality and disability in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are the cornerstones in the development of an effective approach to decrease mortality and to avoid severe disability from such lesions. Unfortunately, brain and CNS lesions may manifest early with simple or subtle symptoms and remain undiagnosed for a long period. We describe two cases of invasive brain lesions manifest early with simple symptoms which were diagnosed at our clinic after a long period without diagnosis. The first patient was a crying infant secondary to brain atrophy, and the second patient was a child with strabismus and abnormal eye movements for several years secondary to brain stem space occupying lesion. We conclude that a much greater care should he taken in such cases with a full neurologic and radiologic evaluation including CT and MRI before any form of treatment is under taken