Minor head injury: limiting patient exposure to ionizing radiation, risk stratification, and concussion management
Publication Date
2016
Journal Title
Curr Opin Pediatr
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review recommendations from recent publications on the evaluation of minor head trauma. We focus on the risks of radiation from computed tomographies (CTs), the establishment of patient risk stratifications to help guide the necessity of emergent neuroimaging, and current thoughts regarding concussions. RECENT FINDINGS: Pediatric minor head injury is a common complaint in ambulatory settings. There is a significant amount of parental and practitioner anxiety regarding prognosis and whether or not to obtain CT imaging. New evidence has demonstrated the significant harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Recent studies have risk-stratified patients to identify those at risk of clinically important traumatic brain injury, to minimize the exposure to ionizing radiation for those who are at a low risk of any significant disorder. SUMMARY: Pediatric minor head injury is a common complaint, but the vast majority of those injured will suffer no significant consequences. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network has created an algorithm to identify minor head trauma patients who require emergent head CTs versus those at low risk who do not require neuroimaging. Additionally, in recent years there has been an increase in the occurrence of concussions. We describe the characteristics of concussions, appropriate management, and the return-to-play guidelines.
Volume Number
28
Issue Number
1
Pages
121-31
Document Type
Article
EPub Date
2015/12/03
Status
Faculty, Northwell Researcher
Facility
School of Medicine; Northwell Health
Primary Department
Pediatrics
Additional Departments
Emergency Medicine
PMID
DOI
10.1097/mop.0000000000000297