Objective      To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 19 821 cases of craniocerebral trauma in children at the age from 0 to 18 years old in order to provide help for the prevention for children.      Methods      A retrospective analysis was carried out in 19 821 children with craniocerebral trauma hospitalized in 210 hospitals from the years of 2001 to 2007 from the Online Trauma Database. These children were divided into 3 groups according to their age

0-6

6-12

and 12-18 years old groups. The gender

time distribution

epidemiological characteristics due to injury

outcome and length of stay and other aspects were analyzed and compared.      Results       ①Among the 19 821 children

there were 72% males and 28% females

their average hospital length of stay was 15.15 d (median 9 d)

and 445 of them died. ②There were inconsistent incidences at different months in traumatic brain injury (TBI) children at different ages (P0.05). ③The 12-18 years old group had higher incidence of craniocerebral injury than the other 2 age groups (P0.05). ④Traffic accident was primary cause for these 3 age groups. Falling was the second common cause for the 0-6 years old group

and falls to the ground was the second in the 12-18 and 6-12 years old groups (P0.05). ⑤ Age and treatment outcomes were relevant factors for length of hospital stay.      Conclusion       The 3 age groups of 0 to 18-years-old TBI children have inconsistent epidemiological characteristics. We should reduce the incidence of TBI in children by following measures

reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents

strengthening supervision for 0-6 years old children

diminishing their unique high-risk activities and behaviors for those 6-12 years old and 12-18 years old.