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A Mouse Model of Single and Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 20, 2017
Mild traumatic brain injury in children
Nicholas A Hamilton1, Martin S Keller
1Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, One Children’s Place, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in children is common, often involving intracranial injuries and long-term effects. Early evaluation and prevention of secondary injury are crucial for reducing negative outcomes in pediatric head trauma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Trauma surgery
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Childhood head injuries are frequent, leading to significant healthcare utilization and costs.
- Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is overdiagnosed, with many pediatric cases exhibiting actual intracranial injuries.
- Long-term consequences of pediatric MTBI are a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the evaluation and management of pediatric MTBI.
- To discuss the long-term outcomes for children experiencing MTBI.
- To highlight the importance of identifying at-risk brains and preventing secondary injury.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of pediatric head injury.
- Analysis of current diagnostic and management strategies for MTBI.
- Examination of studies on morbidity and mortality associated with head trauma.
Main Results:
- Pediatric MTBI is frequently associated with radiographically identified intracranial injuries.
- Effective management focuses on preventing secondary injury to mitigate long-term effects.
- Early identification and intervention are key to reducing negative outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The term 'mild traumatic brain injury' may be a misnomer in many pediatric cases.
- Proactive management strategies are essential for improving outcomes in pediatric head trauma.
- Further research into long-term consequences and prevention is warranted.
Abstract:
Head injury occurs frequently in childhood and results in approximately 500,000 emergency department visits and over $1 billion in costs annually. Nearly 75% of these children are ultimately diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), a misnomer because many will have radiographically identified intracranial injuries and long-term consequences. Identification of the brain at risk and prevention of secondary injury is associated with the largest reduction in head trauma morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the current literature to discuss the initial evaluation, management, and long-term outcomes in children sustaining MTBI.
