Pediatric Emergency Care. 23(8):580-583, AUGUST 2007
DOI: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e31813444ea
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PMID: 17726422
Issn Print: 0749-5161
Publication Date: August 2007
Controversies in the Sequelae of Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Lois Lee;
+ Author Information
Attending Physician Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Instructor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury is a common occurrence in the pediatric population, and the majority of injuries are considered to be mild. There are varying definitions of mild traumatic brain injury. Classification systems for injury severity may include initial Glasgow Coma Scale, duration of loss of consciousness, and duration of posttraumatic amnesia. Postconcussion syndrome is a constellation of symptoms, which may develop after traumatic brain injury. The symptoms can occur in the areas of cognitive, somatic, and/or affective/emotional complaints. There continues to be controversy concerning the definition of mild traumatic brain injury, the significance of postconcussion syndrome, and the development of other posttraumatic neuropsychological changes. This article will review the literature on the sequelae of pediatric mild brain injury and discuss areas of controversy.
