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Seminars in Neurosurgery 2002; 13(1): 029-038
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35245
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

The ABCs of Pediatric Head Trauma

Catherine A. Mazzola, P. David Adelson
  • Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 November 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, and causes over half of all childhood deaths.[1] [2] [3] [4] Mortality rates of 30 to 50% have been reported for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although children have better survival rates than adults, the long-term sequelae are more devastating in children due to their age and extended life expectancy.[5] Costs involved in care of a child with head injury, extended over the lifetime of the patient, are tremendous. It is unfortunate that despite preventive measures, TBI remains the major morbidity and mortality factor for children.

KEYWORDS

Brain injury - diffuse axonal injury - intracranial pressure - pediatric - shaken baby - trauma

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