![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Objective: To determine the number of children with minimal and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their demographic factors, causes, associated signs/symptoms and management.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of consecutive presentations to a tertiary paediatric centre.
Results: There were 2043 presentations of minimal and mild TBI over 3 years (minimal TBI = 79.7% [n = 1628]; mild TBI = 20.3% [n = 415]). Mean age was 5.12 years (SD = 5.14) with children ≤3 years comprising 53.2% (n = 1086). There was a bimodal distribution in mild TBI with peaks at 0–2 and 13–15 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. Only 34.6% of GCS scores were documented. Falls caused most injury. Overall, 6.3% (n = 129) required hospital admission and 29.1% (n = 594) were reviewed clinically.
Conclusion: Minimal and mild TBI is common, representing a significant burden on individuals, families and healthcare providers. High rates of follow-up impact on the healthcare system and warrant further investigation.
| Abbreviations | ||
| TBI | = | Traumatic brain injury |
| PED | = | Paediatric emergency department |
| HAS ED | = | Hospital Administration System – Emergency Department |
| ICD | = | International classification of diseases |
| HISS | = | Head Injury Severity Scale |
| GCS | = | Glasgow Coma Scale |
| MVA | = | Motor vehicle accident |
| χ2 | = | Chi squared |
| LOC | = | loss of consciousness |
| M:F | = | male-to-female. |
| Abbreviations | ||
| TBI | = | Traumatic brain injury |
| PED | = | Paediatric emergency department |
| HAS ED | = | Hospital Administration System – Emergency Department |
| ICD | = | International classification of diseases |
| HISS | = | Head Injury Severity Scale |
| GCS | = | Glasgow Coma Scale |
| MVA | = | Motor vehicle accident |
| χ2 | = | Chi squared |
| LOC | = | loss of consciousness |
| M:F | = | male-to-female. |