Should head CT be automatic for head trauma patients on anticoagulants or antiplatelets?

Should head CT be automatic for head trauma patients on anticoagulants or antiplatelets?

Almost certainly for anticoagulants, and probably for antiplatelets as well. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents are thought to increase the risk for intracranial hemorrhage after trauma, but this is based mostly on retrospective data.

Does clopidogrel count as anticoagulation?

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine. It prevents platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot. Taking clopidogrel helps prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them.

What should you assess after a head injury?

Assessment of the head injury patient should include airway, cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, and haemorrhage control followed by the GCS. The GCS score should be used in the assessment of all patients with head injury by trained healthcare providers.

What if you bump your head while on blood thinners?

If you fall or bump your head while taking a blood thinner, you may have internal bleeding – even if there’s no external sign you’ve been hurt. Dr.

Can I take clopidogrel and atorvastatin at the same time?

Talk to your doctor before using atorvastatin and clopidogrel. This combination may reduce the effects of clopidogrel. Call your doctor promptly if you have any signs of blood clots such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden loss of vision, or pain, redness or swelling in an extremity.

Do you need blood tests for Xarelto?

Xarelto/Eliquis: “These anticoagulants do not require frequent blood tests, but a periodic check of your kidney function is important,” Barnes says. “Xarelto and Eliquis work quickly but also leave the system quickly, so if a patient forgets to take their daily medication, there could be serious complications.”

How long does it take for a head injury to heal?

The general conclusion seems to be that the vast majority of people who experience a mild head injury make a full recovery, usually after 3-4 months.

Are patients taking clopidogrel at substantial risk of Ich after head injury?

Even accepting the limitations, this evidence strongly suggests that patients taking clopidogrel are at substantial risk of ICH after head injury. Scan them. Even in the absence of other indications.

What are the nice head injury guidelines for coagulopathy?

The purpose of the NICE head injury guidelines is to enable for early detection and treatment of life- threatening brain injury and early discharge of patients with negligible risk of brain injury. However, this cannot be achieved without an immediate CT in the coagulopathic elder with a mild brain injury.

What are the new nice head injury guidelines 2014?

The NICE head injury guidelines 2014 now consider the use of warfarin alone, as an indication for CT-head scan (CT) within 8 hours, after a minor brain injury (GCS >12). The guidelines state that warfarin and anti-platelet agents equally affect the coagulation system.

Are antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs effective in treating head injuries?

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs are widely and increasingly prescribed, and many patients presenting with a head injury to the emergency department are taking these drugs. While the majority of these drugs are prescribed in older patients they are also used in younger people.