Imaging the infant with a head injury: a single-centre retrospective study. Issue 1 (5th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Braunold, Daniel; Lewis, Hannah; O'Neill, Breda; Edmonds, Naomi
• Is Part Of: BMJ paediatrics open. Volume 4:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-05
• Subjects: child abuse -- neuropathology; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000779
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-9772

Abstract

Abstract : Head injury is the largest cause of mortality in paediatric trauma. Infants (<1 year old) are a high-risk group and vulnerable to non-accidental injury. A single-centre retrospective study at a major trauma centre collected data on infants presenting with a head injury over a 48-month period. 1127 infants presented with a head injury. 135 CT heads were performed. 38% of scans showed intracranial pathology. The decision about which infants to send for CT scans remains complex. Liberal use risks over-exposure to ionising radiation while restrictive use may miss subtler injuries.