Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries
of 46

Signs and Symptoms of Head Injury

  • Decreased level of consciousness (LOC)
  • Pupil changes
  • Absent gag, cough and/or corneal reflex
  • Headache
  • Scalp swelling
  • CSF leakage from nose
  • Bruising behind the ears
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Seizure activity
  • Abnormal motor activity
  • Firm, bulging fontanelle
  • Cushing's triad
    Hypertension, Bradycardia, Respiratory arrest
  • Papilledema (edema of the retina)
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries