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The commonest of the neurocognitive sequelae following cerebral malaria are; Late admission of children with prodromal signs of malaria precipitates it transition to cerebral malaria and it neurocognitive sequelae.
The existence of Malaria parasites in the blood, coupled with the comatose state was an enough confirmation to the Physician's diagnosis (Cerebral malaria) as per the World Health Organization definition for Cerebral malaria.
This article therefore looks forward to sensitize parents and guardians on the existence of neurocognitive sequelae following cerebral malaria and the need to seek immediate medical care during it prodromal stage.
Cerebral malaria is a neurological complication of malaria which is confirmed by the presence of the asexual forms of the P.
falciparum parasite on peripheral blood smear and the exclusion of either viral or bacterial cause of encephalopathy.
There has been a broad study on cerebral malaria, however, little is known about the knowledge level of parents on the existence of it neurocognitive sequelae.
However, research findings suggest that the sequestration of parasites in the cerebral microvasculature is the central factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria.
The poor woman held her child tightly to her bosom as she bewailed "Papa Doctor, Save my child".
Undoubtedly, it was worth taking that approach as it is affirmed in the findings of a research conducted by Samuel Akyirem and Irene F.
Bossman which sought to ascertain whether tepid sponging is more effective than paracetamol at relieving fever in febrile children in hot tropical climate.
Thus, there is no appropriate extrapolation on the number of parents who are adequately knowledgeable on the neurocognitive sequelae of cerebral malaria.
Her claim was debunked as she was educated comprehensively on cerebral malaria and the importance of seeking immediate medical care in other to curb the disease from exacerbating.
The findings led to the conclusion that "tepid sponging was not effective against fever, hence, the need to modify existing local protocols to reflect the new evidence and international guidelines".
The child had transient mark of neurocognitive complication, specifically, loss of memory which was validated by the mother.
The mother was made seated at the nurses’ station and was reassured of competent nursing care to enhance her child's recovery.
According to the mother, the child had fever three days ago which she managed with paracetamol purchased from a drug store..
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