Identifies children under 2 at very low risk of clinically-important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI).
The PECARN Head Injury — Age < 2 years is a Neurology & trauma scoring tool used in paediatric practice. Identifies children under 2 at very low risk of clinically-important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI). It scores 5 criteria and interprets the total across 3 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.
5. They are GCS ≤ 14, altered mental status, or palpable skull fracture; Occipital, parietal or temporal scalp haematoma; Loss of consciousness ≥ 5 seconds; Severe mechanism of injury; Not acting normally according to the parent.
The total is interpreted as: any score - CT not recommended: no predictors - risk of ciTBI <0.02%. CT is not recommended; discharge with head-injury advice is appropriate; 1 predictor or more - Observation vs CT: intermediate group - ciTBI risk ≈0.9%. Observation in the emergency department is preferred; CT if multiple findings, worsening symptoms, age <3 months, or parental preference; 8 predictors or more - CT recommended: gCS ≤14, altered mental status or palpable skull fracture - ciTBI risk ≈4.4%. CT head is recommended.
No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.
Severe mechanism: MVC with ejection/rollover/death of another passenger; pedestrian or cyclist without helmet struck by a vehicle; fall >0.9 m (3 ft) under 2 years; head struck by a high-impact object.
Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.