Pediatric Head Trauma
What is Pediatric Head Trauma?
Head trauma is a broad term that describes a wide range of injuries that can occur to the head and brain. Head trauma is a leading cause of permanent disability and death in children.
What are the different types of Pediatric Head Trauma?
The many types of head trauma in children include:
Concussion
This is an injury to the head that can cause instant loss of awareness or alertness for a few minutes or even a few hours after the trauma.
Contusion
This is a bruise to the brain, which causes bleeding and swelling inside the brain.
Skull fracture
This is a break in the skull bone.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Head Trauma?
Symptoms of mild head trauma
Signs and symptoms of a mild head injury may include:
- Blurry vision
- Changes in sleep
- Confusion
- Difficulty balancing
- Difficulty with memory or concentration
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Raised, swollen area from a bump or bruise
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Small, shallow cut in the scalp
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Symptoms of moderate to severe head trauma
Signs and symptoms of a moderate to severe head injury 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
- Sweating
- Weakness on one side of the body
What are the causes of Pediatric Head Trauma?
Some typical causes of head trauma in children include:
- Child abuse
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
Pediatric Head Trauma Doctors and Providers
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Bradley Weprin, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon
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Bruno Braga, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon
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Michael Dowling, MD Pediatric Neurologist
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Saima Kayani, MD Pediatric Neurologist
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Eric Remster, MD Pediatric Neurologist
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Lauren Sanchez, MD Pediatric Neurologist
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Dale Swift, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon
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Cynthia Wang, MD Pediatric Neurologist
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Brett Whittemore, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon