Question
Doctor, what should be noted in daily life for children with cerebral edema leading to a scissor gait of the lower limbs?
Answer
In infants, the diagnosis of cerebral edema is primarily based on abnormal enlargement of the head, with the size of the head circumference not being the main indicator. Regular measurement of the infant’s head circumference helps in early detection of cerebral edema and in confirming and treating it promptly before typical symptoms appear. Typical symptoms include microcephaly, drooping eyes, common strabismus, bright and tense skin on the head, engorged temporal veins, and gradually enlarged fontanelles and sutures. Besides intellectual disabilities, due to subtle daily changes, parents may find it difficult to detect abnormal symptoms. The progressive development of this disease, known as active cerebral edema, can be life-threatening for many infants if no measures are taken.