The management of pediatric patient with head injury in an adult-oriented Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the work is to present the possible struggles that a doctor of the Hospital Emergency Department for adults may encounter when admitting a pediatric patient with a head injury. Head trauma is the most common cause of death or permanent injury in the pediatric population. The lack of experience in dealing with a minor patient, as well as the lack of knowledge of anatomical and physiological differences make it necessary to introduce simple algorithms. It helps to facilitate decision-making proces while facing this challange. Methods: The paper discusses the recommended management of a pediatric patient with the head injury treated by a team with limited experience in the field, based on a review of the literature - available studies and publications from the last 15 years - as well as the authors’ own experience. Result: In case of the pediatric head trauma there is a need to develop a patient examination scheme, paying attention to the specific anatomical and physiological differences resulting from the patient's age. It i salso recommended to introduce an algorithm that allows to limit and reasonably use imagining – mostly CT scan – in pediatric patients ( CHALICE, CATCH and PECARN algorithms). The article also recommends methods of management in the case of particular types of craniocerebral trauma.