Livia Mayberry and her sister have been enjoying basketball with their dad at a neighbor’s home in August 2022 when then-4-year-old Livia took a tough fall and hit her head on the pavement.

Her household wasn’t too involved as a result of she appeared OK. She was speaking, did not lose consciousness and did not have a bump. However, a short while later, she threw up.

Quick medical consideration

Her mother and father determined to get her checked on the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota, to be protected.

“She seemed fine,” says John Mayberry, Livia’s dad, of their preliminary response to her fall. “Now, of course, we’re so glad we brought her in.”

Manish Sharma, M.B.B.S., a neurosurgeon, commends the household for bringing Livia in for analysis as a result of it may be troublesome for folks and relations to find out if a head damage is severe.

“Many patients with head trauma will talk afterward and may seem OK,” says Dr. Sharma. “Unfortunately, about 1% will die within 24 hours from their injuries. These unfortunate patients can develop internal bleeding deep in the skull that can increase in volume rapidly and compress the underlying brain tissue. That’s why it’s critical to get all head injuries checked  right away.”

Dr. Sharma says that each one head accidents want cautious monitoring, and emergency medical consideration is critical if the particular person additionally experiences a headache, vomiting, nausea, seizure or weak spot.

Race in opposition to time

While within the Emergency Department, the household discovered that Livia’s bump on the pinnacle was extra extreme than they initially thought. A CT scan confirmed a fractured cranium bone in her temple, which was inflicting blood to pool over her mind and compressing her mind within the course of.

Dr. Sharma instantly reviewed the photographs and mentioned the necessity for a lifesaving operation with anesthesiologist David Stinson, M.D., and emergency medication doctor Jason Planas, M.D.

“We were concerned by the size of the bleeding and the degree of brain compression. An emergency craniotomy would be needed to save life and function,” says Dr. Sharma.

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure to open a piece of the cranium to alleviate stress, take away blood and, often, restore a part of the mind.

Time was of the essence in Livia’s case. Usually, neurosurgery procedures for pediatric sufferers are carried out at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. However, Livia could not be safely transported there as a result of Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service helicopters have been grounded attributable to climate. Fortunately, specialists who may deal with her case have been on scene.

“Our Emergency Department team had a bad feeling about her injuries and contacted us immediately, even before they knew the helicopters weren’t flying,” Dr. Sharma says.

While some sufferers could possibly be transported by floor in these conditions, Livia wanted to get to an working room sooner. “She wouldn’t survive an ambulance ride to Rochester,” says Dr. Sharma. “Although we were in our civilian clothes, we decided to rush this child to the OR and operate immediately.”

Dr. Sharma carried out a two-hour craniotomy surgical procedure. He made a 6-inch incision alongside Livia’s temple, drilling holes across the cranium fracture to evacuate the blood and relieve stress on the mind. The cranium section was changed and secured with titanium plates.

Once that process was achieved, Livia was transferred on a ventilator in an induced coma to Radiology, the place one other CT scan confirmed that the bleeding on her mind had stopped, and her mind compression had been relieved. She was then transferred by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

After an in a single day keep within the hospital, Livia was cleared to go residence along with her household the subsequent day. Her mind was protected, and she or he did not want any additional surgical procedure.

One yr later

About 12 months after her accident, Livia and her dad visited the Mankato group that swung into motion to assist her. They stated the working group, nurses and Emergency Department employees did an important job.

John says Livia is doing effectively and has totally recovered from her fall. She just lately began a second yr of preschool and is studying to journey a motorcycle. Her household says she has no lasting results of her damage.

“Right, pumpkin?” says John whereas holding Livia, who has grown again a full head of blond hair.

“Right,” Livia says.

Her dad says Livia has been fully herself for the reason that damage. She’s stuffed with vitality and thriving. He and Livia’s mom are grateful for the care she obtained.

“Everyone was amazing,” says John. “It was all a little bit of a blur, but everyone was so nice and took great care of her.”