Examining the Risk of Concussion in Children With Facial Fractures: A Large Emergency Department-Based Analysis

Background: Children who sustain injuries resulting in facial fractures are at risk for concomitant concussion. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of concussions are crucial in preventing neurocognitive impairment. The goal of this study is to examine the relationships between distinct craniofacial fracture patterns, injury mechanism, and concussion in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective review of 3334 patients Results: Two hundred twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria (67.9% male), mean age at injury was 12.3 ± 4.3 years. Overall, concussions were more common in children >12 years old (54.2%), with sports as the most common cause of injury (32.5%). In patients Conclusions: Nearly 7% of pediatric patients with facial fractures in this retrospective series were diagnosed with a concomitant concussion. The results suggest that a higher index of suspicion for concussions should be maintained for patients with midface fractures and those with a previous history of concussions.