Emergency indications for computed tomography of the skull in pediatrics

: Indications of CT examinations should be carefully established. Undisputed emergency indications in pediatric neurology are specified. Acute intracranial hypertension, whether isolated or associated with neurological signs or fever, is the principal emergency indication. Its main causes are posterior fossa tumors, but other space-occupying lesions may be found. The main radiological features in each etiology are described. Hemorrhage and trauma are the other essential emergency indications. Emergency CT examination can also be performed in unexplained coma. The indications of CT and ultrasonography in neonates are discussed.