Management of head injuries in children

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.

Pediatric injuries related to electric scooter use: a national database review

“…Although helmet use does not absolutely prevent head injury, the large number of head injuries seen here likely indicates a lack of helmet use similar to the adult population. This is concerning, as head injuries in children can be severe with residual symptoms [20]. Ninety-nine of 902 adolescent patients treated in EDs from 2015 to 2019 had helmet use in their narrative.…”

“…Implementing e-scooter speed limits may also lower injury risk. Other recommendations include protective gear, prohibiting cell phone or headphone use while riding, proper attire, avoiding riding on sidewalks and using the bike lane when available [20,21,22]. Future steps should be taken by orthopedic surgeons to enhance patient education and help strengthen regulations involving the above strategies in order to prevent e-scooter injuries.…”