Traumatic Brain Injury
Description Diagnostic Criteria General and Supportive Measures Referral ICD-10 code: S06.2 See Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and neuroprotection in the ICU DESCRIPTION Types: Concussion (minor), e.g. shaken baby. Contusion Penetrative Anoxic – commonest, e.g. falls, vehicle collusion, violence, sport injuries. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Symptoms: Headache Eating/nursing habits. Unusual or easy irri
General and Supportive Measures
ICD-10 code: S06.2
See Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and neuroprotection in the ICU
DESCRIPTION
Types:
- Concussion (minor), e.g. shaken baby.
- Contusion
- Penetrative
- Anoxic – commonest, e.g. falls, vehicle collusion, violence, sport injuries.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Eating/nursing habits.
- Unusual or easy irritability.
- Persistent crying & inability to console.
- Change in sleeping habits.
- Seizure
- Mood
- Drowsiness
- Loss of interest in toys.
Signs of raised intracranial pressure (> 20 mmHg):
- Cushing response (hypertension and bradycardia).
- Crackpot sign.
- Features on fundoscopy.
Imaging:
- CTS – done within 0–6 hours.
- Transcranial doppler: Cerebral perfusion pressure > 40 mmHg.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Rest/Trendelenburg position.
- Tight glucose and calcium control.
REFERRAL
- Refer all patients
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter 1: Emergencies and Trauma, 1.1 Paediatric Emergencies, 1.2.2 Traumatic Brain Injury