Abstract
Management protocols for minor head injury (MHI) should include strategies for early detection of intracranial hematomas and prevention of persistent sequelae. This study focuses on today's management of MHI in Norwegian hospitals. We report considerable inter-hospital variation in the management of MHI. In most hospitals (81%), MHI patients are treated by general surgeons. The management is focused on the risk of complications in the acute stage. Emergency room evaluation includes assessment according to the Glasgow Coma Scale in 27 (43%) hospitals and routine radiological examination in 18 (29%). Thirty-three (52%) hospitals discharge MHI patients without in-hospital observation. Most hospitals (83%) offer no follow-up. We conclude that the acute care as well as the follow-up of MHI patients can be improved in Norwegian hospitals. Neurosurgeons and neurologists should initiate this process.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 51-55 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Acta Neurologica Scandinavica |
| Volume | 95 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- computed tomography
- follow-up
- management protocol
- minor head injury
- postconcussion sequela