Indications for Surveillance (Cerebral Concussion)

In every case of minor head injury, the question arises, "what is the best mode of supervision for avoiding an unrecognized serious or life-threatening injury?" One possible strategy is - depending on the initial situation - a close supervision of the patient as out-patient during a maximum of 24 hours, and as in-patient if the course after this time is not stable. An initial CT in all cases of minor head injury does not exclude a complication, and exposes the child to unnecessary radiation only in order to save money. The mentioned guidelines correspond roughly to those of Jennet (Jennet B. Devl Med Child Neur 14:137;1972).