Acute management of children with traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem in the United States. In children, it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and the evidence for management of children with TBI in the emergency department. The main objectives of TBI management are to stabilize and resuscitate and to avoid secondary brain injury (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, hypotension, hyperthermia, electrolyte imbalance, and seizure). This article will also review the evidence for the management of children with mild and moderate TBI.