Authors

  1. Section Editor(s): Risser, Nancy MN, RN, C, ANP
  2. Murphy, Mary CPNP, PhD, Literature Review Editors

Article Content

Limbos MA, Ramirez M, Park LS, et al: Injuries to the head among children enrolled in special education. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2004: 158(11):1057-61.

  
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This small study found head injury rates among special education students were similar to rates for children without disabilities-between 20% and 39%. Reviewing 697 events from 6,769 students enrolled in 17 special education schools, the authors found children with emotional/mental disabilities had the lowest rates (1.4 per 100 student years), and boys were slightly higher than girls (1.4 to 1.1 per 100 student years). Injuries were classified by type (abrasions, bruises, cuts, lacerations, punctures), external causes (falls, collisions, other students), associated activity (before or after school, physical education, recess, classroom, toileting, transporting), and school location (playground, classroom, bathroom, bus, hallway).

 

Results show most injuries were from falls during physical education or recess. The authors suggest that the risk of head injuries in this population might be reduced by padding furniture edges and floor surfaces in the classroom, padding toileting and changing areas, using helmets, and maximizing supervision in bathrooms and playgrounds.