[Severe pediatric head injury: is there any optimal solution?]

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury in children is a worldwide problem. The incidence of trauma cases is increasing over the world, and in Lithuania it is several times higher than in the most developed European countries. The article reviews data about the most modern means of managing pediatric traumatic brain injury. The role of prehospital care, emphasizing on airway management, adequate ventilation, oxygenation, and perfusion in order to preclude secondary brain injury, which begins straight after trauma, is being noted. Establishing trauma system and patient's treatment in pediatric trauma centers, where child gets urgent and sufficient help, reduces mortality and improves outcomes. Pediatric patient's triage using patient's status scoring and trauma scoring systems is recommended. The role of intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure is crucial. Immediate management of intracranial pressure reduces mortality and improves outcomes. Techniques of intracranial pressure monitoring and management strategies of intracranial hypertension, their advantages and possible disadvantages are described.