Abstract

Objective:: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinico-radiological profile and outcome of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design:: Prospective observational study Setting:: Intensive Care Unit, ward and OPD of Pediatrics, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur (tertiary care hospital). Participants:: A total of 188 children (1 month18 years) were enrolled and 108 admitted. Intervention:: TBI classified as mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Neuroimaging was done and managed as per protocol. Demographic profile, mode of transport, and injury were recorded. Outcome:: Measured as hospital stay duration, focal deficits, mortality, and effect of early physiotherapy. Results:: Males slightly outnumbered females mean age was 5.41 4.20 years. Fall from height was the main cause of TBI (61.11%) followed by road traffic accident (RTA) (27.78%). Majority (56.56%) reached hospital within 6 h of injury, out of which 27% of patients were unconscious. Mild, moderate, and severe grade of TBI was seen in 50%, 27.78%, and 22.22% of cases, respectively. About 12.96% of cases required ventilator support. The average duration of hospital stay was 11.81 12.9 days and was lesser when physiotherapy and rehabilitation were started early. In all children with temporal bone fracture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed a temporal lobe hematoma and contusion in spite of initial computed tomography (CT) head normal. Children who have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea/otorrhea had a high chance of fracture of base of skull and contusion of the basal part of the brain. Conclusion:: In India, fall from height is common setting for pediatric TBI besides RTA. Early initiation of physiotherapy results in good outcome. MRI detects basal brain contusions in children presenting with CSF rhinorrhea/otorrhea even if initial CT brain is normal.