Using Brain CT Scans to Manage Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Emergency Departments

What this Trial Is About

Mild traumatic brain injury TBI is a common reason for visits to emergency departments EDs. Researchers are studying how brain computed tomography CT scans are used in Italian EDs to assess patients with mild TBI. The study aims to understand the variability in CT use, validate existing clinical decision tools, and develop a new model to predict medium-term outcomes for patients with mild head trauma. The study observes adult patients who come to the ED with mild head trauma, defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale score between 13 and 15. Patients with longer-lasting loss of consciousness or amnesia are excluded. Researchers will analyze when and how CT scans are used and compare this with guidelines such as the Canadian CT Head Rule and others. They will also validate current scoring systems and work on creating an improved decision-making tool to help doctors decide when CT scans are necessary. Participants will be monitored from September 2025 through August 2027. During this time, researchers will assess CT scan use, validate common scoring methods, and develop a new score. The study involves reviewing patient data and clinical outcomes to better understand the best practices in managing mild TBI in the ED. This research aims to improve patient care by reducing unnecessary CT scans while identifying those at risk of serious complications.

Mild TBI in the Emergency Department