Head injuries in children under 3 years.

BACKGROUND

A significant number of children under 3 years sustain a head injury every year. Despite this few studies have provided detailed information about these injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical files all children aged 0-3 years who attended a paediatric emergency department for treatment over a 2-year period.

RESULTS

Children aged 0-6 months had the highest rate of moderate head injury. Children under 12 months were at the greatest risk of injury. Falls were the most common cause of injury including falls from caregiver's arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Children under 12 months are at significant risk of head injury, many of these injuries could be prevented by increased parental supervision or improved home safety.