@article{ref1,
title="Outcome and cost of childhood brain injury following assault by young people",
journal="Emergency medicine journal",
year="2010",
author="Lundy, Claire T. and Woodthorpe, Claire and Hedderly, Tammy J. and Chandler, Chris and Lasoye, Tunji and McCormick, David",
volume="27",
number="9",
pages="659-662",
abstract="Introduction Media interest in inter-juvenile violence in the UK has emphasised to clinicians the lack of data on medical outcomes following injury. A study was undertaken to examine the incidence of childhood head injury in a large trauma centre serving an inner city multiethnic community. The aim was to establish the physical and financial cost of survival with a head injury following inter-juvenile assault. Methods All children aged 8-16 years attending King's College Hospital, London (KCH) because of a head injury were identified restrospectively. The case notes of those admitted to the neurosurgical and neurorehabilitation service with a head injury between 1 August 2006 and 30 September 2008 were reviewed. Results A total of 1126 children attended KCH with a head injury. Eight boys required admission for treatment of a head injury following alleged inter-juvenile assault. The mechanisms of brain injury included a penetrating knife wound, assault with a bottle and physical assault. One child died following admission as a result of his brain injury. Complete neurological outcome data were available on six cases. Three had a hemiplegia, four had speech and language difficulties, two had visual impairment, five had behavioural changes and five had cognitive difficulties. Conclusions This study demonstrates the serious consequences of inter-juvenile assault. Survival can be associated with neurological and psychological deficits. The cost to the health service is substantial. Further work is required to establish the long-term needs of these children. Language: en
",
language="en",
issn="1472-0205",
doi="10.1136/emj.2009.079020",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/emj.2009.079020"
}