PEM Playbook – Blunt Head Trauma

Originally published at Pediatric Emergency Playbook on November 1, 2017 – Visit to listen to accompanying podcast. Reposted with permission.

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Mnemonics for bedside risk stratification of minor pediatric blunt head trauma, based on PECARN studies:

[Details in Audio]

Blunt Head Trauma in Children < 2 years of Age

Blunt Head Trauma in Children ≥ 2 years of Age

Image Gently Campaign

Medical Imaging Record (maintain like an immunization card)

Brochure for Parents: Just in Time Education

Selected References

Dayan PS et al. Association of Traumatic Brain Injuries with Vomiting in Children with Blunt Head Trauma. Ann Emerg Med. 2014; 63(6):657-665.

Dayan PS et al. Headache in Traumatic Brain Injuries from Blunt Head Trauma. Pediatrics. 2015; 135(3):504-512.

Horeczko T, Kuppermann N. To scan or not to scan: pediatric minor head trauma in your office, clinic or emergency department. Contemporary Pediatrics. 2012;29(8):40-47.

Kupperman et al. Identification of children at very low risk of clinically-important brain injuries after head trauma: a prospective cohort study. Lancet. 2009;374(9696):1160-70.

Lee LK et al. Isolated Loss of Consciousness in Children with Minor Blunt Head Trauma. JAMA Pediatr. 2014; 168(9):837-843.

Magana JN, Kuppermann N. The PECARN TBI Rules Do Not Apply To Abusive Head Trauma. Acad Emerg Med. 2017; 24(3)382-384.

Rogers AJ et al. Children with Arachnoid Cysts who Sustain Blunt Head Trauma: Injury Mechanisms and Outcomes. Acad Emerg Med. 2016; 23:358-361.

This post and podcast are dedicated to Kevin Klauer, DO, EJD, FACEP for his dedication to education, and for his unique balance of safety and keeping it real.  Thank you.