DEFINITION
- Moderate Head Injury = post non-surgical resuscitation GCS 9-12
PROGNOSTIC DETERMINANTS
- age > 60
- pupillary reflex abnormalities
- presence of hypotension or hypoxia
- CT: collections, traumatic SAH
- co-morbidities
FACTORS WARRANTING ADMISSION TO ICU
Patient factors
- skull #
- seizures
- influence of drugs (alcohol, anticoagulants, antiplatelets)
- significant other injuries
Environmental factors
- unassessible clinically (needs anaesthesia and surgery) -> ICP monitor insertion
- neurosurgical request
- requires 1:1 nursing
- agitation requiring pharmacological restraint
References and Links
- Brain Trauma Foundation Guidelines
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