Can a CT be Omitted in Pediatric Minor Head Trauma?

Abstract

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the need for radiation exposure in pediatric minor head trauma. Symptomatic patients after minor head trauma were observed for at least 24 hours in a 13-month period. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed on children with a depressed neurological status. Two hundred fourteen patients with a mean age of 9.3 years were included. An intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was diagnosed in three (1.4%) patients. The overall CT rate was 10.7%. The study concluded that neuro-observation without initial CT scans is safe in infants and children following minor head trauma. Special pediatric CT protocol can limit radiation exposure.