When the cricket ball struck young Mitchell Dinneen in the back of the head, it somehow missed all the vital parts of the brain.
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His medical report shows an undeniable crack in the skull, but also includes a vital line from the doctor: “left cerebral hemisphere is normal”.
Nadia Dinneen said it was a relief that, unlike in the case of Phil Hughes, the skull fracture was not in a significant area.
Mitchell’s fracture moved up from the point of impact, while Hughes’ went down towards his neck.
The Royal Children’s Hospital states, generally, the risk of complications are most likely where the brain is less cushioned.
“The patient may have focal neurological deficit/behavioural/mental state disturbances,” according to hospital information.
This, luckily, never happened to Mitchell.
He spent two days in hospital in Melbourne before returning home after a neurosurgeon cleared him of needing surgery.
Mrs Dinneen said the biggest risk of her son’s recovery from head injury was that he would have seizures, but he has been healthy so far and the longer his recovery goes, the less likely it would happen.
She was also very supportive of the doctor’s call Mitchell gave up contact sports such as football and basketball in the short term.
"In the first 12 months, you don't want another head injury," she said.
In the first 12 months, you don't want another head injury.
- Nadia Dinneen
In the meantime, Mitchell has been able to run and cycle to prepare for his return to cricket.
