Presentation
Child held up by an adult and struck on the head by a ceiling fan. Large scalp laceration.
Patient Data
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410507/cc39ed97f857c9e8caba0ec9c44fd8_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410508/033993b6987657985b7d2f9854ae90_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410509/4968a36c08bc0d43fcc6f8a7fd6707_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410510/71edfba1ae4b48f2223cbf5dfd95ef_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410511/a5d9aac7a5c98d2421b0fa917e40dd_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410512/ec02e0e1d0d0f2cbfbb776dd70c821_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410513/4f17055cc0a067e4f0f2347a8ee9f0_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/18410507/cc39ed97f857c9e8caba0ec9c44fd8_big_gallery.jpeg)
Depressed curvilinear skull vault fracture with an underlying linear hemorrhagic contusion of the brain. Note disruption of overlying scalp
Case Discussion
This injury is uncommon but typically occurs in tropical locations where electric ceiling fans are common. Children are usually affected. There are 3 common scenarios i.e. child held up by an adult, children on bunk beds and children jumping off furniture. Given the relative softness of pediatric skulls, the injury can be severe with disruption of scalp and linear or curvilnear depression fracture of the skull vault requiring elevation. In this case there is also hemorrhagic contusion of underlying cerebrum.