title: Minimal and mild paediatric brain injury: a 3-year cohort of consecutive presentations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the number of children with minimal and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their demographic factors, causes, associated signs/symptoms and management.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional analysis of consecutive presentations to a tertiary paediatric centre.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 2043 presentations of minimal and mild TBI over 3 years (minimal TBI = 79.7% [n = 1628]; mild TBI = 20.3% [n = 415]). Mean age was 5.12 years (SD = 5.14) with children ≤3 years comprising 53.2% (n = 1086). There was a bimodal distribution in mild TBI with peaks at 0-2 and 13-15 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. Only 34.6% of GCS scores were documented. Falls caused most injury. Overall, 6.3% (n = 129) required hospital admission and 29.1% (n = 594) were reviewed clinically.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minimal and mild TBI is common, representing a significant burden on individuals, families and healthcare providers. High rates of follow-up impact on the healthcare system and warrant further investigation.
authors: Women's and Children's Health Network, Women's and Children's Hospital Campus, King William Road, North Adelaide, South Australia. ray.russo@health.sa.gov.au
authors: Remo Nunzio
authors: RN
authors: Russo
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Rice
authors: Phei Ming
authors: PM
authors: Chern
authors: Jeremy
authors: J
authors: Raftos
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male