Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and Adolescents

Introduction Head trauma leading to brain injury is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Injury severity is related to the mechanism of trauma, which itself varies with age. The vast majority of head trauma in pediatric patients is mild, requires no specific therapy, and leaves no sequel. However, it is important to identify individuals at risk of significant injury and possible sequels, in need of specific evaluation.

Aim The purpose of the 6-month follow-up study is analysis of traumatic brain injury in pediatric patients.

Material and Methods We registered a demographic data, causes of head injuries, and modality of neurotraumatological treatment. In 6 month, from January 1 to June 30, 2015, 88 pediatric patients with head injury were admitted to Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Institute for Child and Youth Health Aare of Vojvodina in Novi Sad.

Results An age distribution was as follow: infants 5, 1 to 3 years 16, 4 to 7 years 20, 7 to 15 years 31, 15 to 18 years 16 (AVG 8,1, SD 5.5). The majority of patients were admitted to hospital with a mild head injury. Extent of head injury was determined by unconsciousness, neurological status, skull fracture, EEG, posttraumatic seizures, and a composite measure. Most common causes of brain injury include: falls (67%), traffic accidents 15%, striking/being struck by an object 9%, physical assault 5%, and other causes or traumatic brain injury 4%.

A total of five patients needed the neurosurgical operative treatment (three cases of epidural hematoma, one case of impressive skull fracture, and one case of gunshot wound to the head).

Conclusion The vast majority of head trauma in pediatric patients is mild, requires only symptomatic therapy, and usually leaves no sequel. Injury mechanisms are characteristic for every age group.

Keywords craniocerebral injury; pediatric patient; treatment