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Severe head injury and raised intracranial pressure (pressure inside the
skull due to brain swelling and/or blood clots) is treated with a strict treatment
protocol that is initiated at the scene of theaccident and continues through
the patient's hospital stay in the intensive care unit. This protocol is responsible
for significantly improving our outcomes in patients with severe traumatic
brain injury. It is performed in cooperation with the air transport team,
emergency room physicians, and intensive care unit physicians. In addition,
we will soon be entering in a national randomized controlled trial for the
use of moderate hypothermia in the treatment of severe pediatric head injury.
We are proud to have been chosen as one of the few sites in the country with
enough expertise to be included in this study.
Our role as Pediatric Neurosurgeons in the treatment of pediatric head injury
is widespread and important throughout the hospital. Head injuries are promptly
evaluated by residents and/or staff members in the emergency room and the
neurosurgeons are in charge of all aspect relating to the patient's central
nervous system injury. Many times the relationship between patient and physician
continues on through the immediate hospital stay and into the rehabilitation
stay and long-term evaluation. In addition, the hospital employs pediatric
neuropshychologists for the evaluation and management of post concussive and
posttraumatic brain injuries.
In short, pediatric head injuries are a major part of our neurosurgical
service, and we take this responsibility very seriously. We feel that our
patients receive the best care available and our proud of our treatment results.
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