Prehospital care of pediatric traumatic brain injury

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents is associated with significant morbidity and, in severe TBI, mortality. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the spectrum of TBI, its pathophysiology, and current treatment recommendations for prehospital management of children and adolescents with TBI. Materials and methods: The current literature was reviewed for studies on the management of TBI in children and adolescents. Results: In recent years, a large number of scientific studies have been published that have resulted in evidence-based guidelines for primary care of children with TBI. The primary aim is to minimize secondary brain damage following TBI, forwhich immediate assessment of the severity of TBI at the scene based on clinical findings and the accident mechanism and initiation of specific treatment measures to prevent hypoxia, hypotension, and hypothermia are critical. Not only prehospital management, but also the rapid transfer of children with severe TBI to centers with high neurosurgical, pediatric surgical, and pediatric intensive care expertise is of particular importance to improve survival and neurological outcome after severe TBI. Conclusion: Structured prehospital management may help reduce secondary brain injury after TBI and lead to improved clinical outcomes.