Background and purpose – Head trauma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood and can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). In our study, we present a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological findings of patients presenting with head trauma in 0-5 age range, examining the relationship between pediatric skull and brain development and age-related changes in trauma mechanisms. The study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and injury mechanisms in young children with head trauma, providing insights for improved management strategies tailored to this vulnerable population. Methods – The study assessed patients who presented to Şanliurfa Education and Research Hospital between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2022. The clinical and radiological data of 1216 patients aged 5 years and younger who were admitted due to head trauma were analyzed. Symptoms, physical examination findings, trauma mechanisms, and CT findings were evaluated for each age group. Results – Among the included 1216 patients 62.9% (n=765) were male and 37.1% (n=451) were female. The incidence of scalp hematoma showed a significant difference in the 0-1 and 1-2 age groups (p<0.05). Raccoon eyes were statistically significantly higher in the 3-4 and 4-5 age groups, while Battle’s sign was more prevalent in the 2-3 and 3-4 age groups (p<0.05). Frontal, parietal, and occipital hematomas were more frequently observed in younger age groups, whereas temporal, orbital, and facial bone fractures were more common in older age groups. Falls from a height were significantly more frequent in the 0-1 and 1-2 age groups; falling downstairs occurred more often in the 1-2 and 4-5 age groups, while non-vehicle traffic accidents and assaults were more prevalent in the 2-3 age group. Conclusion – The findings of this study reveal distinct differences in head trauma presentations among the various age groups, indicating that younger children experience different trauma mechanisms and types of injuries compared to older children. Recognizing these differences is crucial for tailoring prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions, allowing for more effective management of head trauma in pediatric patients. This study emphasizes the significance of analyzing head trauma in rapidly developing age groups. The observed variations in trauma mechanisms and clinical findings necessitate age-specific approaches in patient management, which can ultimately enhance treatment outcomes for young patients suffering from head trauma.
Kılıç et al. (Wed,) studied this question.