When is CT scan indicated for a patient with head injury?
CT scan of the head is used to find out any blood clot or bleeding in the brain or if there is any fracture of the skull bone. Nowadays with the latest CT scan machines, scan can be completed in less than a minute. CT scan must be taken in a case of head injury, if the patient has any of the following problems. • History of loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes. • Alcohol intoxication. • History of seizures (fits). • Unreliable history of the accident. • Age less than 2 years. • History of persistent vomiting. • Bleeding from the nose, mouth or ear. • Patient has serious facial injury. • Penetrating injury to the skull. What is the treatment for the patient with head injury? The patients with mild head injury can be discharged and observed at home. The patient with mild head injury should immediately seek medical help if he notices any of the following conditions. • Change in level of consciousness (including difficulty in awakening). • Abnormal behavior. • Increased headache.
