The Journal of pediatrics
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We retrospectively evaluated the records of 459 children who had normal findings on a neurologic examination after moderate head injury characterized by brief loss of consciousness. Skull x-ray examination had been performed in 358 children, and 52 (14%) had fractures. ⋯ Three children required surgical evacuation of hematomas between approximately 24 and 72 hours after injury. On the basis of these results, we conclude that in the absence of a skull fracture, most alert children without symptoms who have sustained moderate head injury may be safely discharged from the emergency department in the care of a competent observer.