Head injury: assessment and early management (NICE guideline NG232)

Summary

This NICE guideline covers the assessment and early management of head injury in babies, children, young people and adults. It makes recommendations on pre-hospital assessment and referral, immediate management at the scene and transport, emergency department assessment, imaging for clinically important traumatic brain injury and cervical spine injury, and transfer to a neuroscience unit. It also addresses admission and observation, discharge and follow-up, decision making and mental capacity, and information and support for families and carers. It is intended for healthcare professionals, commissioners and providers, as well as patients, families and carers, and complements NICE guidance on major trauma service delivery.

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