Pediatric head injury and concussion

Abstract

Children with head injuries frequently present to emergency departments. Even though most of these children have minor injuries, head injury is the most common cause of traumatic deaths in pediatric patients. The pediatric GCS and decision rules for obtaining head CT imaging help the provider evaluate head-injured infants and children. The provider must be vigilant to diagnose those who have life-threatening intracranial injuries or are victims of abusive head trauma. The goal of the emergency physician is to diagnose and treat the consequences of the primary injury and to limit or prevent secondary injury.