 |  | Rudolph's Pediatrics Section 29. Disorders of the Nervous System > Part 3. Acute Deterioration of Neurologic Function > Chapter 551. Trauma to the Nervous SystemCraniocerebral TraumaMagdi M. Sobeih | |
Topics Discussed: brain concussion; brain injuries; child abuse; contusions; craniocerebral trauma; epidural hemorrhage; hematoma, subdural; neurology; pediatric head injury; pediatric neurology; physical abuse of child; postconcussion state; skull fractures; trauma, nervous system; traumatic brain injury, mild.
Sections: Other Nervous System Traumatic Injury, References.
Excerpt:"Under normal circumstances, the skull protects the brain from
minor trauma by cushioning the sensitive contents from external
blows. The surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assists in reducing
any force by providing a fluid layer in which the brain may "float." However,
with more severe trauma, the differential rate of movement of the
skull, brain, CSF, and blood vessels causes acute injury to the
contents. Traumatic brain injury results from the sudden acceleration
or deceleration of the brain relative to the skull or from penetrating
injury. The degree of injury manifests along a spectrum from mild
functional impairment without obvious visible injury (either on
physical examination or neuroimaging) to severe, generalized, or focal/multifocal
injury.It is clear from the statistics that the most common form of
pediatric head injury results in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).2 Also
known as concussion, minor head injury, minor head trauma, or minor
TBI, mTBI had been diagnosed based on scores of 13 to 15 on the
Glasgow Coma Scale. However, most recently, mTBI has been defined
clinically by the brief presence of altered mental status after
injury from impact or forceful linear or rotational motion of the
head with or without loss of consciousness.3,4 This
alteration in mental status is characterized by confusion or disorientation,
trauma induced retrograde and/or anterograde amnesia, or
loss of consciousness less than 30 minutes. By contrast, moderate or
severe TBIs..."
The content above is only an
excerpt. For full access, log into an existing user account below, purchase an annual subscription, or
purchase a short-term subscription to the complete website.
offers pediatrics students,
educators, and practioners access to leading McGraw-Hill texts, interactive imaging
content, exclusive multimedia, and flexible curricular tools.
Timed access to all of AccessPediatrics
24 hours for $29.95
48 hours for $49.95
Or