Canadian rule for head CT ..after head trauma

Canadian CT Head Rule
1. The Canadian CT Head Rule consists of 7 predictor variables to assess the need for CT imaging in patients with minor head injuries.

2. This study demonstrates that the rule is highly sensitive and may help to reduce the number of CT scans ordered.

CT head is only required for minor head injury patients with any of these findings:

High risk (for neurological intervention)

GCS score <15 at 2 hours after injury
Suspected open or depressed skull fracture
Any sign of basal skull fracture (i.e., hemotympanum, “racoon” eyes, CSF otorrhea/rinorrhea, Battle’s sign)
Vomiting ≥2 episodes
Age ≥65 years

Medium risk (for brain injury on CT)

Amnesia before impact ≥30 minutes
Dangerous mechanism (i.e., pedestrian struck by motor vehicle, occupant ejected from motor vehicle, fall from elevation ≥3 feet/5 stairs)

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