Peds Head Trauma: PECARN

Pediatric Head Trauma Algorithm

When do you just observe a child vs. CT scan after head trauma?

PECARN: Lancet, 2009.

Algorithm is different based on >2 yo and <2 yo.

<2 yo:
if palpable skull fracture, AMS
If occipital or parietal or temporal scalp hematoma, hx of LOC >5 secs, or severe mechanism

Severe mechanism of injury: MVA with ejections, death of another passenger, or rollover; pedestrian or bicyclist without helmet struck by car; falls >3 ft; head struck by high impact object.

Words to Learn By:

As I'm about to embark on my journey of a Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency, I was struck by the enormity of material I will need to master. It is a bit overwhelming. Not only do I want to know the material, I want to be able to utilize it accurately. Georgetown has taught me that Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is a critical part of practicing sound medicine, and being the best doctor that you can be. Unfortunately, I am not like my brother, who can remember every detail of everything he reads, so this site is going to become a sort of library or filing cabinet for all the practice-changing articles, or clear and concise reviews on topics that I come across.

Every post will start with either "Med:" or "Peds:" to designate which side of the spectrum it falls under. Or, the wonderful, "MedPeds:" title. I'll try to use key words to make it easy to search, and these articles will come in in no particular order. Simply, as I find them, or realize it's important to general practice. I hope you gain a better understanding of how to practice better medicine, and gain some words to learn by.