A 70-year-old man presents to ED after tripping on a step and striking his head. He is on apixaban for atrial fibrillation. He has a mild headache but...

Question

A 70-year-old man presents to ED after tripping on a step and striking his head. He is on apixaban for atrial fibrillation. He has a mild headache but no focal neurological signs and GCS 15. According to head injury guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

CT brain without contrast because of anticoagulant use

Answer

Discharge home without imaging

Answer

Skull X-ray only

Answer

Observation in ED for 4 hours without CT

Answer

MRI brain as first-line imaging

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Head injury on anticoagulants

A 70-year-old man presents to ED after tripping on a step and striking his head. He is on apixaban for atrial fibrillation. He has a mild headache but no focal neurological signs and GCS 15. According to head injury guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?