What are common complications after pediatric traumatic brain injury, and how are they mitigated?

• A. Hair Loss and Skin Rashes; Treated With Topical Steroids
• B. Diffuse Axonal Injury, Cerebral Edema, Seizures; Mitigated With Airway Protection, Careful Hemodynamic Control, Seizure Prophylaxis, Intracranial Pressure Management, and Time-Sensitive Rehabilitation
• C. Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis; Managed With Antihistamines
• D. None; TBI Has No Complications

Answer: (B)

When a child sustains a traumatic brain injury, the biggest concern is preventing secondary brain injury that can worsen outcomes. The most common complications you’ll see are diffuse axonal injury, cerebral edema, and seizures. To minimize their impact, the focus is on a comprehensive, time-sensitive approach: protect the airway and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation to prevent hypoxemia; maintain stable blood pressure and adequate cerebral perfusion so the brain continues to receive enough blood flow; use seizure prophylaxis when indicated to reduce the risk of post-traumatic seizures; closely monitor and manage intracranial pressure, with measures like head elevation, careful ventilatory management, and appropriate therapies (and escalation to ICP-directed treatments if needed); and begin rehabilitation as soon as it’s safe, coordinating a multidisciplinary plan to maximize recovery and neuroplasticity. Other options describe issues that aren’t typical complications of pediatric TBI or don’t reflect its treatment priorities, such as hair loss or skin rashes, asthma/allergic conditions, or the idea that TBI has no complications.