Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)
Published on: February 7, 2025
Management of head injuries in children
Henry Conchie1, Sarah Palmer2, Katalin Fernando2
1University of Bristol, England.
Insights
Head injury is a leading cause of childhood death and disability. Recognizing severe traumatic brain injury signs in children is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate care, distinguishing between minor injuries and those needing urgent medical attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Head injury is the primary cause of death and disability in children.
- While minor head trauma is frequent and typically requires no medical intervention, severe injuries can lead to significant deficits.
- Prompt identification of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on pediatric head injuries.
- To outline assessment, management, and treatment strategies for children with head injuries.
- To provide a straightforward management algorithm for clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on pediatric head injuries.
- Analysis of assessment and management protocols.
- Development of a clinical decision-making algorithm.
Main Results:
- Distinguishing between minor head trauma and severe TBI is critical.
- Specific signs and symptoms indicate the need for urgent intervention.
- Guidelines are provided for determining patient disposition (home, admission, or neurosurgical transfer).
Conclusions:
- Emergency department clinicians must be adept at identifying severe TBI in children.
- Appropriate triage and management based on injury severity are vital for optimal outcomes.
- A clear algorithm aids in decision-making for pediatric head injury cases.
Abstract:
Head injury is the most common cause of injury-related death and permanent disability in children. Minor head trauma is common in childhood and does not require any medical treatment. Although deficits can occur even after mild to moderate head injury, they are markedly greater and become clinically evident following severe head injury. It is important that emergency department clinicians are aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate severe traumatic brain injury and triage for urgent intervention in those children who present with these signs and symptoms. Clinicians also need to know when children can be sent home with reassurance and information, and when they require admission or transfer to a neurosurgical unit. This article examines the literature on head injuries in children, describes assessment, management and treatment, and provides a simple management algorithm.
More Related Videos
07:02An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System
Published on: January 12, 2011
10:31A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
