A new study shows that the high levels of radiation in CT scans are often unnecessary for the types of head trauma that most children recieve.

The study showed that the causes for most head injuries -- car crashes, bike collisions and other minor accidents -- aren't that major. Thus, the CT scan, which can be expensive and harmful to such a young and developing brain, might not even be necessary since these minor causes don't typically yield major brain damage.

Instead of using CT scans, doctors and researchers from the study suggest using a six-step method in determining whether a child's injury is in need of a CT scan. Indicators of brain trauma include signs of a skull fracture, an altered state of mind, vomiting, headaches and swelling of the head.

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