[computed tomography in head injury patients]
A diagnostic prediction rule used to determine if a patient with a minor head injury would benefit from emergent CT imaging of the brain. Low-risk patients are those who have a Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 and no history of loss of consciousness, amnesia, vomiting, or generalized headache. These patients do not need neuroimaging in the Emergency Department and can be discharged home with follow-up. Patients who are over 60 or who have a history of alcohol or drug use, epilepsy, or coagulopathy are considered high risk regardless of their GCS. Those with intermediate GCS values are considered to have medium-risk mild head injuries.