MRI provides little added benefit to CT for diagnosing unstable cervical spine injuries in this population.
In neurologically normal patients, cervical spine clearance is accomplished by bedside examination. Patients with severe head injury and coma require imaging, typically computed tomography (CT) scan, to assess for cervical spine injuries. There are conflicting data on the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after CT scan, with some reports suggesting the yield is so low that it does not justify the increased time and expense. There is little pediatric evidence to guide practice.
Investigators reviewed data from a single center's pediatric trauma registry to identify patients who presented with head injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale score <8 from 2002 to 2012. Of 1196 patients (median age, 9.6 years), 63 underwent both CT and MRI of the…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair