Pediatric head trauma

What are the different types of pediatric head traumas?

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.
  • 24 hour concussion advise line: 844-414-6824
• 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.
  • 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 a 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.

• 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:

• CT Scan
• MRI
• EEG

What causes a 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 are pediatric head traumas treated?

Treatment varies based on the type and severity of head trauma. 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.

• Mild head trauma - Children with mild concussions can typically recover on their own with rest.
• Moderate head trauma - 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 - Severe head trauma cases usually require pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) care, surgical treatment and rehabilitation.