Paediatric Neurosurgery - Head Injuries
Head injuries, from mild to severe, are among the most common reasons for referral to paediatric neurosurgery. The vast majority of head injuries are mild and most patients make a complete recovery.
Severe head injuries can result in increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure or ICP), which may require placement of an intracranial pressure monitor so that high pressure can be identified and treated. Acute care of children with moderate or severe head injuries is done in conjunction with the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Paediatric Intensive Care specialists at Children's Hospital.
All head injured patients are followed, both in hospital and after discharge, by the Paediatric Brain Injury Team, staffed by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, nurse clinicians, and specialized paediatricians.