Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <15 on initial assessment
any loss of consciousness because of the injury
any focal neurological deficit since the injury
any suspicion of a complex skull fracture or penetrating head injury since the injury
amnesia for events before or after the injury (it will not be possible to assess amnesia in children who are preverbal and is unlikely to be possible in children under 5)
a persistent headache since the injury
any vomiting episodes since the injury (use clinical judgement about the cause of vomiting in children 12 years or under and the need for referral)
any seizure since the injury
any previous brain surgery
a high-energy head injury
any history of bleeding or clotting disorders
current anticoagulant or antiplatelet (except aspirin monotherapy) treatment
current drug or alcohol intoxication
any safeguarding concerns (for example, possible non-accidental injury or a vulnerable person is affected)
Author: Dr Dylan Jenkins Oct 23
ref:NICE