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Head Injury on Anticoagulation — EECC MCQ

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HardGeneral CardiologyHead Injury on AnticoagulationEECC

An anticoagulated older adult has a minor head injury. Initial CT is normal, GCS remains 15 and there are no other injuries or safeguarding concerns. Which statement is most accurate?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Individualise discharge; repeat CT is not automatic

After a normal CT, routine repeat scanning or mandatory admission is not required solely because a patient takes an anticoagulant if neurological examination remains normal and safe discharge criteria are met. Clinicians must still consider injury mechanism, other trauma, intoxication, supervision, comorbidity and reliable return for deterioration. Clear written head-injury advice is essential. Reversal is for clinically relevant bleeding, not an uninjured scan. The original answer imposed an unsupported universal observation and repeat-imaging rule.

Reference: NICE NG232: head injury assessment and early management. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng232/chapter/recommendations