The ABCs of Pediatric Head Trauma

Abstract

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, and causes over half of all childhood deaths. 1–4 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.