Pediatric head injuries

Abstract

Head injuries in children are common, comprising more than half of all injuries sustained. The mortality and morbidity associated with traumatic head injury in children is staggering, and the cumulative effect of such on the pediatric and general populations is propagated through related health care measures and subsequent socioeconomic burden. The majority of deaths due to trauma in children are caused by brain injury. This article reviews the evaluation and management of scalp injuries in the pediatric patient. The second portion addresses skull fractures, the specter of child abuse, management of acute fracture, and the phenomenon of growing skull fractures.