Traumatic brain injury in children part 1 - intial assessment and management

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of road traffic accident or falls is the leading causes of death or disability in children. Children and young people frequency access health services as a result of a TBI. Consequently many nurses working with children and young people, in both primary and secondary care settings will care for a child following a TBI and have a role to play in accident prevention. Understanding the initial stabilisation of a child who has sustained a TBI, and the principles of pre-hospital management are essential to ensure optimal care of the child and family. This article provides an overview of TBI and its management in children and the key role of primary care practitioners in relation to the identification of TBI and accident prevention