Question

A 30-year-old man presents after a low-speed motor vehicle collision with neck pain and no loss of consciousness. He is alert, not intoxicated, with no midline cervical tenderness, focal neurological deficits or distracting injuries. According to clinical decision rules for cervical spine imaging, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

No cervical spine imaging is required; manage conservatively with advice

Answer

Routine CT cervical spine for all patients with neck pain

Answer

Plain cervical spine X-ray

Answer

MRI cervical spine

Answer

Immediate neurosurgical referral

Practice question