MRI Markers of Outcome After Severe Pediatric TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death or disability in children. Each year in the United States, pediatric TBI results in an estimated 630,000 emergency room visits, 58,900 hospitalizations, and 7000 deaths. The incidence of long-term disability after severe TBI is high, with over 60% of children requiring educational or community based supportive services 12 months post-injury. Over 5,000 children require inpatient rehabilitation after TBI each year and an estimated 145,000 US children are currently living with disabilities after a severe TBI. Hospital costs for the acute treatment of children with TBI are estimated at \~$2.6 billion each year, while the gross annual costs accounting for long-term care and lost productivity approach $60 billion. Therefore, pediatric TBI is a major public health concern and new ways to diagnose and treat TBI are urgently needed.