How to determine if a drowning child has brain damage
May 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Drowning-related brain injury in children can usually be diagnosed through symptoms, electroencephalogram (EEG), and CT scans. If brain damage is present, a range of adverse symptoms may occur, such as frequent epileptic seizures, convulsions, weakness in one hand or one foot, and urinary or fecal incontinence. In addition to the above methods, MRI scans can also be used for diagnosis.
Brain injury in children who have experienced drowning can usually be determined through symptoms, electroencephalogram (EEG), CT scans, and other methods. Specific details are as follows:
1. Symptoms
If brain injury has occurred, a series of adverse reactions may appear, such as frequent epileptic seizures, convulsions, weakness in one hand or one foot, and urinary or fecal incontinence.
2. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a non-invasive test that helps further evaluate brain tissue disorders in most cases. It can diagnose conditions such as brain tumors, cerebral hemorrhage, and encephalitis, thereby helping determine the extent of brain injury. To assess whether a child has sustained brain damage, an EEG can be performed to observe the presence of frequent or intermittent epileptiform waves.
3. CT Scan
A CT scan typically involves multiple cross-sectional X-ray images of the body; signals received by detectors are converted into digital data. CT scanning is a commonly used method for evaluating traumatic brain injury and can identify the location, type, and severity of the injury. Abnormal findings may be evident on CT imaging if brain injury is present.
In addition to the above methods, MRI examination can also be used to assess brain injury. Appropriate safety measures should be taken in daily life to prevent future drowning incidents.
