Respiratory support of the head-injured child.

Meticulous care of the head-injured child revolves around the prevention of secondary injury. In no arena is this more crucial than in the respiratory support of the pediatric traumatic brain-injured patient. Careful attention to intubation techniques, maintenance of adequate oxygen delivery, avoidance of hypoxia, and judicious use of PEEP and other respiratory therapeutics all can be invaluable in the care of the pediatric traumatic brain-injured patient and may ultimately enhance outcome in this sometimes devastating disease.