Minimal and mild paediatric brain injury: a 3-year cohort of consecutive presentations.

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.

Conclusion: 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.