Management of the paediatric patient with acute head trauma

Acute head trauma (AHT) leading to traumatic brain injury is an important cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality. Injury severity depends on the mechanism of trauma and age of the child. The vast majority of childhood AHT cases are mild, require no therapy, and leave no long-term sequelae. However, it is important to identify individuals at risk for significant injury and those who require specific evaluation and intervention. This statement replaces a 2013 document from the Canadian Paediatric Society on this topic. It describes issues related to AHT in infants, children, and youth, including clinical manifestations, initial management priorities, guidelines for observation, imaging, and subsequent follow-up and treatment. The evaluation of patients with AHT at the time of initial assessment is also addressed.