ILS Hospitals Agartala successfully treats a rare paediatric neuro-critical emergency, showcasing Tripura’s growing capacity for advanced neurological care, multidisciplinary expertise and life-saving critical interventions within the state’s healthcare system.
ILS Hospitals, Agartala has successfully managed a rare and life-threatening paediatric neurological emergency, demonstrating the state’s growing capacity to provide advanced neuro-critical care without the need for out-of-state referrals.
The case involved a six-month-old infant who was admitted in a critical condition with high-grade fever, recurrent seizures, a bulging fontanelle, abnormal involuntary movements and focal neurological deficits. These alarming clinical signs strongly suggested severe meningoencephalitis accompanied by raised intracranial pressure, a medical emergency associated with high mortality and long-term neurological complications if not treated promptly.
From the moment of admission, the infant was placed under intensive neuro-critical monitoring. The case was led by Dr Akash DS, Consultant Paediatrician, who immediately initiated rapid, evidence-based intervention. Treatment included broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, corticosteroids to control inflammation, aggressive intracranial pressure management and advanced seizure control measures, all aligned with international paediatric critical care protocols.
Despite early and aggressive intervention, the child’s condition deteriorated further, progressing to status epilepticus with worsening neurological function. This required escalation of care and continuous multidisciplinary evaluation, highlighting the complexity and severity of the case.
Advanced neuroimaging played a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment planning. A CT scan revealed caudate hypodensity, while subsequent MRI imaging confirmed the presence of multifocal cerebral infarcts. These findings were consistent with infection-related cerebral vasculopathy, a rare but serious complication known to significantly increase the risk of long-term neurological sequelae in infants.
The radiological assessment was provided by Dr Nani Gopal Tripura, Consultant Radiologist, whose precise interpretation of imaging findings helped guide critical clinical decisions and refine the treatment strategy.
At a decisive stage of management, critical procedural support was provided by Dr Sadu Mog, who ensured timely central venous access, enabling the safe administration of medications and intensive monitoring. This intervention reflected the hospital’s coordinated and well-integrated clinical response system.
Throughout the 14-day treatment period, the Infant Paediatric Critical Care Unit (IPCU) and ward nursing teams, supported by resident medical officers, maintained continuous neurological and physiological monitoring. Strict adherence to critical care protocols, timely interventions and vigilant observation were key factors contributing to the successful outcome.
Gradually, the infant showed consistent neurological improvement. Seizures came under control with optimised antiepileptic monotherapy, inflammatory markers normalised and motor responses steadily improved. By the time of discharge, the child was clinically stable, alert, afebrile and seizure-free.
Although a mild residual ophthalmoparesis was noted, the overall neurological recovery was significant, especially considering the severity of the initial presentation and the high risk of permanent disability.
Medical experts at ILS Hospitals emphasised that the outcome highlights the importance of early recognition, protocol-driven multidisciplinary care and round-the-clock clinical vigilance in managing complex paediatric neurological emergencies.
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The case stands as strong evidence that high-acuity paediatric neuro-critical care can be effectively delivered within Tripura. It also marks a step forward in reducing dependency on referrals to distant tertiary centres, ensuring timely treatment and better outcomes for critically ill children in the state.
This achievement further reinforces ILS Hospitals’ position as a leading tertiary-care institution in Tripura, committed to strengthening the state’s healthcare ecosystem through advanced infrastructure, skilled specialists and evidence-based patient care.
