Minimal and mild paediatric brain injury: A 3-year cohort of consecutive presentations

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.

• Brain injury
• closed head injury
• trauma
• child

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.