Consider head CT (rule out intracranial hemorrhage)
Use validated decision rule to determine need
Avoid CT in patients with minor head injury who are at low risk based on validated decision rules.
Consider cervical and/or facial CT
Use validated decision rule to determine need
Avoid CT in patients with minor head injury who are at low risk based on validated decision rules.
Any wrong answer to following questions is considered positive for cognitive impairment after head injury
What is your name?
What is the name of this place?
Why are you here?
What month are we in?
What year are we in?
What town/suburb are you in?
How old are you?
What is your date of birth?
What time of day is it? (morning, afternoon, evening)
Three pictures are presented for subsequent recall
Clinically made, no reliable test that can confirm diagnosis of concussion
Signs and symptoms may occur immediately or be delayed by days-weeks (see also post-concussive syndrome)
Simple concussion
Gradual resolution of symptoms within 7-10d
Complex concussion
Persisting symptoms or cognitive impairment
Symptoms with exertion
Gradual resolution of symptoms within 7-10d
Persisting symptoms or cognitive impairment
Symptoms with exertion
Mild traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury
Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Intracranial hemorrhage
Post-concussive syndrome
Traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage
Elevated intracranial pressure
Ischemic stroke