head injury

Question 1

bloods taken in head injur

Answer 1

FBC, U+Es, LFTs, clotting, group and save, VBG

Question 2

examinations needed in head injury

Answer 2

full neuro exam of upper and lower limbs

full cranial nerve exam

Question 3

potential diagnoses in head injury

Answer 3

subdural haemorrhage
epidural haemorrhage
subarachnoid haemorrhage
intraparenchymal haemorrhage
skull fractures

Question 4

how to deicide if head injury needs head CT

Answer 4

Use NCIE head CT guideance

Question 5

pharmacological management of head inury

Answer 5

correct any coagulopathies

discuss with neurosurgery team

Question 6

what may head injury patients require post discussion with neurosurgery team

Answer 6

prophylactic antiepileptics

mannitol (to lower raised ICP)

Question 7

non pharmacological management of head injury

Answer 7

surgical decompression with craniotomy

Question 8

referrals in head injury

Answer 8

discuss with senior member of the team

contact critical care outreach team

referral to neurosurgeons

consider ICY

Question 9

when to consider ICU in head injury

Answer 9

Patient requires transfer to centre with neurosurgical team

Patient requires ventilator support

Patient requires blood pressure support

Deterioration of blood gases

Question 10

future management of head injury patient

Answer 10

ensure patient receives occupational therapy and physiotherapy review prior to discharge