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Mild TBI-Imaging Decision — ABEM Board MCQ

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EasyEmergency MedicineMild TBI-Imaging DecisionABEM Board

A 29-year-old with mild head injury (GCS 15), no LOC, no vomiting, no anticoagulants, normal neuro exam. According to current US guidance, what is appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — No CT imaging; discharge with instructions

Validated decision rules and ACEP clinical policy support no CT in very low-risk mild TBI (no red flags). Routine CT (B) or admission (D) is unnecessary; MRI (C) is not first-line; prophylactic antiepileptics (E) are not indicated.

Reference: Secondary Source: ACEP Clinical Policy (2023): Mild Traumatic Brain Injury