[Diagnosis and management of patients with mild traumatic brain injury--an update with recommendations and future perspectives].
Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a reversible brain damage, without structural changes, which is caused by an external force. By definition, patients with mild TBI have a GCS of 13-15. It is an established risk factor for both morbidity and mortality. Prognosis is dependent on the primary damage incurred as well as secondary damage, for example, posttraumatic bleeding and oedema. Initial management should focus on the identification of patients at risk for serious intracranial pathologies. Investigations should be directed towards the severity of the injuries. Notably, the conventional X-ray is inadequate for the assessment of TBI. The following article discusses practical algorithms for the management of mild TBI and the indications for early use of CT.
Gautschi
O P
OP
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Perth Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth. ogautschi@tiscali.ch
Frey
S P
SP
Zellweger
R
R
D000465:Algorithms; D020202:Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed