Pediatric Minor Head Injury and Concussion

Head injury is one of the most common reasons children present to the emergency department (ED) and the leading cause of pediatric death and disability. Head injuries can range from having no neurologic deficits to death. Management in the ED centers on determining if there is a serious brain injury and preventing secondary brain injury. In most cases of mild traumatic brain injury, serious injuries can be ruled out based on the history of the injury, associated symptoms, and clinical assessment. Concussion is a common presentation of head injury and encompasses a wide range of symptoms. Computed tomography should be used judiciously, and extensive research has led to algorithms to aid in this decision. Prior to discharge from the ED, parents will often have questions about when their child may resume normal activity. This is a decision that most often will involve the patient’s primary care provider or a concussion specialist as the ED provider is unable to follow progression or resolution of symptoms. However, the ED provider should be able to provide anticipatory guidance.   Key words: computed tomography, concussion, head injury, mild traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury