Management of Minor Head Injury in Patients Receiving Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: A Prospective Study of a 24-Hour Observation Protocol

Management of Minor Head Injury in Patients Receiving OralAnticoagulant Therapy: A Prospective Study of a 24-HourObservation Protocol

Background
The indications for computed tomography (CT) scanning in
the setting of minor head injury have been the focus of
substantial research. Long-term oral anticoagulation has been
identified as a significant risk factor for intracranial injury,
and CT scanning is generally recommended for such patients
regardless of clinical presentation. However, it remains
unclear whether such patients should then be hospitalized for
observation or undergo a later second CT scan. Oral
anticoagulant therapy is prescribed to prevent thromboembolic
complications of atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis, and
surgically placed cardiac valves.