Published in December 2010, this article provides an overview of acute management procedures for minor head injury patients in the USA. The author reports that the definition of a minor head injury has come under close scrutiny and is changing as a result of refined diagnostic testing.
Although up to 15% of patients with a minor head injury will have a brain injury identified by a computed tomography (CT) scan, less than 1% of these patients will require neurosurgical intervention.
Evidence supports the safety of discharging patients with minor head injury who have a negative CT scan. However, though patients with a negative CT are at almost no risk of life-threatening deterioration, it is recommended that these patients are provided with discharge information regarding counselling for postconcussive symptoms, when to return to work, school, or sports, and when to seek additional medical care.
Reference
Jagoda, A (2010) Mild traumatic brain injury: Key decisions in acute management.Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(4), 797-806.
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