Publication:

Co-relation of CT scan findings with Glasgow coma scale scores in pediatric head injury

Background Head injury in pediatric age is a major cause of mortality and disability. Clinical selection of cases prior to ordering CT scan would be desirable to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and risk of malignancy.

Methods An observational study of 50 pediatric cases of head injury that underwent CT scan as part of routine diagnostic work up. Correlation of CT scan findings with GCS scores and clinical profile done.

Results Contusion was the most frequent finding in cases with positive CT scan findings and majority (94%) of patients could be managed conservatively. Among the mild head injury cases only 1 (3.8%) had positive CT scan findings whereas 16 (80%) with moderate head injury and almost all (100%) subjects with severe head injury had positive CT scan findings.

Conclusions Careful clinical selection based on GCS score before ordering CT scan can help reduce radiation exposure among pediatric patients and pressure on limited resources. Studies with larger sample size would be warranted.