Question

A 32-year-old man falls from a ladder and presents with neck pain after a brief loss of consciousness. He is alert, complaining of midline cervical tenderness, but has no neurological deficit. According to trauma guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial approach to his cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

Maintain full spinal immobilisation and obtain appropriate imaging before clearance

Answer

Allow him to sit up and move his neck to assess pain

Answer

Clear the spine clinically without imaging

Answer

Apply a soft collar only and discharge

Answer

Ignore neck pain as there is no neurology

Practice question

A 32-year-old man falls from a ladder and presents with neck pain after a brief loss of consciousness. He is alert, complaining of midline cervical tenderness, but has no neurological deficit. According to trauma guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial approach to his cervical spine?