Pediatric Head and Maxillofacial Trauma

Pediatric head and maxillofacial trauma are among the common and potentially serious presentations in emergency and primary care settings. Early recognition, accurate assessment, and timely stabilization are essential to prevent secondary brain injury and ensure optimal outcomes. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, anatomical and physiological considerations, mechanisms of injury, and systematic evaluation of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and facial trauma. Emphasis is placed on age-specific assessment tools such as the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) and the ABCDE approach, with detailed guidance on airway management, cervical spine precautions, recognition of increased intracranial pressure, and prioritization of imaging and referral. Specific types of TBI—including concussion, epidural, and subdural hematomas—are outlined alongside maxillofacial injuries like mandibular, orbital, and nasal fractures. The chapter also discusses the role of primary care providers (PCPs) in initial stabilization, neurological monitoring, wound care, pain management, and coordination with trauma teams for referral. Communication frameworks like SBAR are introduced to enhance handovers. Guidance is also provided on family education and discharge planning, including home care for tracheostomy, enteral feeding, and urinary catheterization. This resource is designed to equip PCPs and frontline providers with practical, evidence-based strategies for managing pediatric TBI and facial trauma effectively, even in resource-constrained environments.