Early Ct Scan Can Be Deceiving In Pediatric Head Injury

CT scan brain is routinely done as initial investigation in all head injury patients. Sometime, the scans are within 3 hours, with evidence of minimal bleed, in such cases should CT brain be repeated is still a matter of debate, in view of radiation exposure to pediatric patient. We present a case of 12- year-old child, whose CT brain showed minimal extra-axial bleed and was alert, playful with only complaints of mild headache and vomiting. Repeat CT showed large EDH which required surgical intervention. Risk – benefit ratio of radiation in pediatric patient should be considered meticulously and unnecessary scans should be avoided. But if patient have increased ICP signs and symptoms, repeat CT may be necessary and expedient