Table 2 Comparison of inclusion and exclusion criteria[11, 15–17]

All of the following:

Any of:

• Blunt trauma to head resulting in witnessed LOC/disorientation, definite amnesia, persistent vomiting (>1 episode), persistent irritability (in children <2 yrs)

• Obvious penetrating skull injury

• Obvious depressed fracture

• Acute focal neurologic deficit

• Chronic generalized developmental delay

• Head injury secondary to suspected child abuse

• Initial GCS in ED ≥13 as determined by treating physician

• Returning for reassessment of previously treated head injury

• Injury within the past 24 hours.

• Patients who were pregnant

Any history or signs of injury to the head.

Refusal to consent

Present within 24 hours of head injury.

Any of:

• Trivial head injury (defined by ground level fall, walking/running into stationary object, no signs or symptoms of head trauma except scalp abrasions and lacerations).

• Penetrating trauma

• Known brain tumour

• Pre-existing neurological disorder complicating assessment

• Neuro-imaging at another hospital before transfer

• Patient with ventricular shunt*

• Patient with bleeding disorder*

• GCS < 14*