Head Injury Flashcards
1
Q
Head Injury Aetiology
A
Falls, assaults, RTA, alcohol involved in up to 65%
2
Q
Head Injury Management
A
-ABC assessment
3
Q
Head Injury C-Spine Immobilisation Criteria
A
If
- GCS<15 at any time since injury
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Focal neurological deficit
- Paraesthesia in extremities
- Clinical suspicion of C-spine injury
4
Q
Head Injury Indications for Referral to A&E
A
-High energy head injury
-GCS <15 at any time since injury
-Loss of consciousness
-Focal neurological deficit
-Persistent headache
-Vomiting episodes
-Seizure
-Irritability or altered behaviour
-Suspicion of skull fracture or penetrating head injury
-Visible trauma
Past History of
-Age≥65
-Previous cranial neurosurgical interventions
-Bleeding disorder
-Anticoagulant therapy
-Any other concern
5
Q
Head Injury Non-Medical Indications for Referral to A&E
A
- Suspicion of non-accidental head injury
- Current intoxication
- Adverse social factors
- Continuing concern from professional and patient/carer
6
Q
Head Injury CT Scan Indications
A
- CT scan within 1 hour if
- GCS<13 when first assessed or GCS <15 two hours after injury
- Suspected open or depressed skull fracture
- Signs of basal skull fracture
- Post traumatic seizure
- Focal neurological deficit
- > 1 episode of vomiting
- All patients with coagulopathy or anticoagulation should receive a CT within 8 hours
- C-Spine CT if GCS<13, patient intubated or suspicion of CS injury
7
Q
Head Injury Management
A
-Depends on scan?
