Neurological assessment of the child with head trauma.

Dental trauma is a type of head trauma. It is essential that the dentist be able to assess the gross neurological status of the child presenting with head injury and to recognize acute and delayed signs of nerve injury. Time does not permit the dentist a leisurely review of necessary skills at the time of an emergency visit. He or she must be prepared in advance with a consistent and simple approach for the management of head trauma in children. Time of entry into care is critical to the prognosis.