During trauma assessment of a child, which sign would indicate a possible head injury?

The indication of unequal pupil size, also known as anisocoria, is a significant sign that could suggest a head injury in a child. This condition may result from trauma that has caused increased intracranial pressure or direct injury to the brain itself, potentially affecting the cranial nerves responsible for pupil response. Unequal pupil size is often associated with more serious neurological issues, such as cerebral edema or hemorrhage, and thus requires immediate attention for further evaluation and intervention.

Bradycardia, persistent vomiting, and clear nasal discharge can all be symptoms related to other conditions or injuries, but they are not as specific to head injuries as unequal pupil size. For example, bradycardia can occur due to various factors, including hypoxia or increased intracranial pressure, but it is not exclusively indicative of head trauma. Persistent vomiting might occur due to several reasons including gastrointestinal issues or increased intracranial pressure, yet it is more a general symptom rather than a direct indicator of a head injury. Clear nasal discharge can suggest a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak if it accompanies other symptoms of head trauma, but on its own, it is less definitive compared to pupil assessment.

In summary, unequal pupil size is a key sign that warrants immediate further assessment for