HEAD-INJURY IN CHILDREN

Trauma in the United States is the leading cause of death and disabili ty in the pediatric population. Differences of age and development aff ect recovery and outcome following head injury. Mechanisms and pathoph ysiology of head injury are varied in both the pediatric and adult pop ulations. Assessments of injury are varied and some measurements are m ore sensitive than others as well as more specific with regard to cert ain types of injury. Treatment and management should be tailored to ea ch case in order to effect a positive outcome with respect to brain fu nctioning. Aggressive intervention for prevention of primary and secon dary injury must be continued and understanding of the impact of these injuries should provide for a brighter future for these patients.