PECARN — Pediatric Head Injury

Applies only to children with GCS 14–15 evaluated within 24 h of blunt head trauma; not for trivial mechanisms, penetrating trauma, known brain tumors, pre-existing neurologic disorders, ventricular shunts, bleeding disorders / coagulopathy, or children already imaged at an outside hospital before transfer — the rule's risk estimates do not apply to these children. A higher-risk or worsening child warrants CT regardless. Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment.