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European Multidisciplinary Consensus Paper on the Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment for Adult Patients at the Emergency Department 

 

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common reason for presenting to emergency departments (EDs). The assessment of these patients is frequently hampered by various confounders, and diagnostics are still often based on nonspecific clinical signs. Throughout Europe, there is wide variation in clinical practices, including the follow-up of those discharged from the ED. The objective is to present a practical recommendation for the assessment of adult patients with an acute TBI, focusing on milder cases not requiring in-hospital care. 

Recently published in the European Journal of Emergency Medicine, a multiprofessional expert panel gave consensus recommendations based on recent scientific literature and clinical practices. The focus is on patients with a preserved consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale 13–15) not requiring in-hospital care after ED assessment.  

The main results of the paper will be discussed in the webinar and contain practical, clinically usable recommendations for acute clinical assessment, head CT decision-making, use of biomarkers, discharge options, needs for follow-up, as well as a discussion of the main features and risk factors for prolonged recovery.