Computed tomography of the head in children: experience with 1024 scans performed in an outpatient facility

Our experience in 1,024 computed tomography examinations of the head in 954 infants and children performed in a private office is reported. Immobilization in infants was achieved using relatively large dosages of chloral hydrate (as high as 75 mg/kg) supplemented, when necessary, by I.M. Benadryl. The usual dose of chloral hydrate recommended for children is 25 mg/kg as a sedative and 50 mg/kg as a hypnotic. Satisfactory immobilization was accomplished in 350 of the 360 children under 6 years of age. Thus, routine general anesthesia was avoided. The wide spectrum of conditions demonstrated has been tabulated and selectively illustrated.