Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage in Children: Analysis of Clinical Characteristics

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children is not common and very different compared to adults. We analyze the etiology, hemorrhagic type, clinical features, and outcome of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients under 17years of age with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage were analyzed retrospectively. Neonates were excepted. We reviewed their medical records in regard to their age, symptoms, radiologic findings, treatment, and prognosis. RESULTS: Among 29 patients, there were 17boys and 12girls. The average age was 10.2years. The most common presenting symptom was mental deterioration, and the most common cause was arteriovenous malformation. Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children showed a better prognosis than in adults. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children resulted mainly from vascular malformation and the prognosis is relatively good. More careful follow-up studies and active management are needed for better outcomes.