Outcomes following childhood head injury: a population study.

Objectives: To identify outcomes following head injury (HI) among a population of children admitted to one hospital centre and to compare outcomes between different severity groups.

Methods: A postal follow up of children admitted with HI to one National Health Service Trust, between 1992 and 1998, was carried out. Children were aged 5-15 years at injury (mean 9.

Return to school after brain injury.

Aims: To examine return to school and classroom performance following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: This cross-sectional study set in the community comprised a group of 67 school-age children with TBI (35 mild, 13 moderate, 19 severe) and 14 uninjured matched controls. Parents and children were interviewed and children assessed at a mean of 2 years post injury.

Prevalence of traumatic brain injury amongst children admitted to hospital in one health district: a population-based study.

There is a dearth of information regarding the prevalence of brain injury, serious enough to require hospital admission, amongst children in UK. In North Staffordshire, a register of all children admitted with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been maintained since 1992 presenting an opportunity to investigate the incidence of TBI within the region in terms of age, cause of injury, injury severity and social deprivation. The register contains details of 1553 children with TBI, two-thirds of whom are male.

Recent advances in intubation and mechanical ventilation.

The ideal care of the critically ill infant or child should demonstrate a seamless service starting with recognition of potential critical illness and initiation of early resuscitative interventions, escalating to advanced life support and skilled transfer to an appropriate location where intensive care can be continued. This article discusses advances in the package of respiratory care commencing with the decision to provide respiratory support, which includes the decision whether or not to intubate, leading to the choice of mechanical ventilatory support mode in the critically ill child. Indications for intubation include protection of the airway, airway toilet and the need for positive pressure support.

Parental stress and burden following traumatic brain injury amongst children and adolescents.

Primary Objectives: To assess parental stress following paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), and examine the relationship between self-reported problems, parental stress and general health.

Research Design: Parents of 97 children admitted with a TBI (49 mild, 19 moderate, 29 severe) to North Staffordshire National Health Service Trust, and parents of 31 uninjured children were interviewed and assessed.

Methods And Procedures: Structured interviews were carried out with families, and parents assessed on the Parenting Stress Index (PSI/SF) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) at recruitment, and repeated 12 months later.