Pediatric Head Trauma
Head trauma is an injury to the head, skull or brain that could affect the way the brain or body functions.
At Children's Health℠, we have a Level I Trauma Center. This means we’re capable of providing complete care for any injury and we always have top pediatric doctors of every specialty available, including neurosurgeons and other medical specialists to treat children with head trauma. We also have a dedicated neurological team in our ICU that specifically cares for patients with head or spinal trauma. Children with head trauma often have other injuries as well, and our neuro-team works alongside other pediatric specialists to ensure every child receives the care they need.
What are the different types of Pediatric Head Trauma?
Head trauma can range from mild to severe, like a mild concussion or severe traumatic brain injury. Mild head trauma may only temporarily affect the brain while more severe cases can have long-lasting effects.
The types of head trauma include:
Concussion
A concussion is an injury to the head that can cause instant loss of awareness or alertness for a few minutes or a few hours after the trauma.
Contusion
A contusion is a bruise on the brain, which causes bleeding and swelling inside the brain. Contusions on the brain can range in size and severity, just like any bruise.
Skull fracture
A skull fracture is a break in the skull bone, and there are few different types:
Open skull fracture. When a child has a fracture in the skull bone and a cut on their scalp.
Closed skull fracture. When a child has a fracture in the skull bone, but there isn’t a cut on the scalp.
Depressed skull fracture. When part of the skull bone is driven into the brain.
Simple skull fracture. When the skull bone is in the correct place but there’s a crack in the bone.
Basilar skull fracture. When a child has a fracture at the base of the skull. This could result in cerebral spinal fluid leaking from the nose or ears.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Head Trauma?
Signs and symptoms of mild head trauma may include:
Blurry vision
Changes in sleep
Confusion
Difficulty balancing
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Irritability
Nausea
Sensitivity to noise and light
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Difficulty with memory or concentration
Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe head trauma may include:
Blood or clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
Changes in behavior
Difficulty walking
Loss of consciousness
Loss of short-term memory
Open wound in the head, such as a deep cut
Repeated nausea and vomiting
Severe, long-lasting headache
Seizures or convulsions
Slurred speech
Weakness on one side of the body
If you suspect your child is experiencing moderate to severe head trauma symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency care at Children’s Health emergency department.
How is Pediatric Head Trauma diagnosed?
Mild head trauma, like a mild concussion, is typically diagnosed after an evaluation from a medical specialist. For moderate to severe head trauma, doctors perform tests to see inside the child’s brain and get information about brain function. These tests might include a CT scan, MRI and EEG.
What causes Pediatric Head Trauma?
Head trauma is prevalent among children and most often caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and violence, like child abuse.
Although not all head trauma is preventable, you can reduce the risk of severe cases with a few best practices. Children should always wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorized vehicle. Seat belts and appropriate car seat use can also reduce the risk of head trauma in a car accident.
How is Pediatric Head Trauma treated?
Treatment varies based on the type and severity of head trauma. Children with mild concussions can typically recover on their own with rest. With moderate head trauma, like a moderate contusion, doctors may monitor the pressure in the brain to determine if surgical treatment is necessary. Severe head trauma cases usually require ICU care, surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
We treat all head trauma cases with the most advanced treatments, and our team of experts work together to ensure every child receives the care they need.
Pediatric Head Trauma doctors and providers
At Children’s Health℠, our team includes renowned pediatric neurosurgeons and medical specialists to ensure every child receives the care they need for head trauma.
