Is the Canadian CT Head Rule Applicable to Patients with Minimal Head Trauma?

A small study suggests that it may be useful.

The Canadian Computed Tomography (CT) Head Rule was developed and validated in patients with minor head trauma involving loss of consciousness or disorientation. Patients with neither of these findings (i.e., “minimal” head trauma) were excluded from these trials, as were patients taking antithrombotics. In a new study, investigators explored whether patients who have head trauma without loss of consciousness or disorientation might benefit from application of the Canadian CT Head Rule. Eligible participants had minimal head trauma, included individuals taking antithrombotics, and were enrolled in the study after a clinician had already determined that a head CT was needed.

Of 240 enrolled patients, 27% were taking anticoagulants or antiplat…

Reviewing Author

Daniel J. Pallin, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPortola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Speaker’s BureauPeerView Institute for Medical Education

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality; CDC; NIH–National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; NIH–National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); NIH–NIAID–Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group; Merck; Pfizer; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Shire; Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Novartis; bioMérieux; Siemens; Rapid Pathogen Screening; Magnolia; Stago; Innovative Biosensors; Molecular Detection, Inc.; Dyax Corp.; Trius Pharmaceuticals

Daniel J. Pallin, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPortola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Speaker’s BureauPeerView Institute for Medical Education

Is the Canadian CT Head Rule Applicable to Patients with Minimal Head Trauma?

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Reviewing Author