Revised practice guideline 'Management of patients with mild traumatic head/brain injury'
De Kruijk, J.R.; Nederkoorn, P.J.; Reijners, E.P.J.; Hageman, G.; Hageman, G.; Pols, M.A.; Schipper, D.M.; de Kruijk, J.R.; Nederkoorn, P.J.; Reijners, E.P.J.; Boerman, R.H.; Cremers, J.P.M.; van Dijk, K.G.J.; van Eerten, P.V.; Egberink, R.E.; Hunink, M.G.M.; Kool, D.R.; Peerdeman, S.; Verhulsdonck, M.C.; Vles, J.S.H.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 156(5): A4195
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 22296902 Document Number: 658793
Recently the out-of-date Dutch guideline 'Mild traumatic head/brain injury' dating from 2001 was revised under the supervision of the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (CBO). The revised guideline gives underpinned decision rules for the referral of patients to hospital, carrying out diagnostic imaging investigations, and formulating indications for admission. Mild head-brain injury is no longer an indication for a conventional skull radiograph. Adults and children aged 6 years and older no longer have to be woken regularly if they are allowed home. The guideline can be used in both primary care and on the Emergency Departments of hospitals and is applicable to both adults and children. The guideline does not address the rehabilitation or long-term care of patients with mild traumatic head/brain injury, but it does give advice on reducing the risk of long-term symptoms. Regional implementation of the guideline in primary and secondary care is recommended.