Citation

Falk AC, Cederfjäll C, von Wendt LOW, Klang B. Acta Paediatr. 2006; 95(12): 1533-1539.

Affiliation

Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. ann-charlotte.falk@karolinska.se

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1080/08035250600731957

PMID

17129958

Abstract

AIM: To describe symptoms and functional disabilities 3 mo after a minimal, mild or moderate head injury in children, and to analyse relationships between these and initial symptoms and management documented at the time of the injury. METHODS: The sample consisted of all children (0-15 y) admitted to an emergency department during a 1-mo period with a history of head injury. Data were collected from the medical records at the time of the injury, and questionnaires about symptoms/change and functional problems 3 mo after the injury. RESULTS: Symptoms and functional problems were reported in 35% of the children 3 mo after a head injury. Documented altered consciousness (in children less than 5 y) and disorientation (in children 5 y of age or older) at the emergency department were correlated with changes in behaviour at 3 mo. The initial duration of unconsciousness was not predictive of subsequent behaviour. CONCLUSION: The difficulties in predicting outcomes in head-injured children, especially younger ones, indicate the need for a follow-up appointment in order to identify children with special needs. Further studies are needed regarding the early signs and symptoms in different age groups.

Language: en