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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury
05:01

Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: August 16, 2019

Severe head injury in children--a preventable but forgotten epidemic

P L Semple1, D H Bass, J C Peter

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|May 22, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Severe pediatric head injuries, often from pedestrian accidents, result in high mortality and morbidity. Factors like young age and low Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) indicate a poor prognosis, necessitating preventive strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Traumatology
  • Neurocritical Care
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Serious head injuries pose a significant threat to pediatric populations.
  • Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for improving outcomes in severely head-injured children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the outcomes of severely head-injured children.
  • To analyze factors influencing their prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 102 children under 14 with admission Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) below 8.
  • Data collected from 1990-1993 at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital.

Main Results:

  • Pedestrian motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause (83 injuries).
  • Mortality was high: 58 deaths, with 36 good recoveries.
  • Poor prognostic factors included age < 3 years, extracranial injuries, GCS 3-4 post-resuscitation, and diffuse cerebral swelling.

Conclusions:

  • Children with GCS < 8 face extremely high mortality and morbidity.
  • Preventive strategies are essential to reduce the incidence of severe pediatric head injuries.
Abstract

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