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The lack of a well-documented medical history or continuity of care in children who present to the emergency department (ED) can lead to increased use of diagnostic testing, including tests involving ionizing radiation. Two studies indicate that radiologic imaging is often unnecessary in children who present to the ED with headache or wheezing.
Investigators retrospectively reviewed the records of 364 children (age range, 2–5 years) who presented to one ED in Washington DC with a chief complaint of headache. Initial history and physical exam showed that 84% of children had headaches that were secondary to an apparent acute illness (usually viral, respiratory, or febrile), trauma, or a known underlying condition (e.g., ventriculoperitoneal sh…