Archives de pédiatrie : organe officiel de la Sociéte française de pédiatrie
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Accidents are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The aim of this population-based study was to describe characteristics of head injuries leading to hospitalization in children less than 15 years old, in a defined geographic population (Aquitaine: 2.7 millions inhabitants) and the longterm outcome (5-year follow up) of a sample of these patients. ⋯ Origin and mechanisms of head injuries in childhood were similar than in previous studies. Incidence was higher because of a higher proportion of minor head injuries. Disabilities and poor recovery happened in children with brain lesions or in one children with a minor head injury complicated by a severe anoxia. Anxiety and depression should be better studied in these children.