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Epidural hematoma — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateTraumaEpidural hematomaABEM Board

A 19-year-old man is brought after being struck in the temple with a baseball. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 146/82 mm Hg, HR 58/min. He briefly lost consciousness, was lucid for 30 minutes, and now is vomiting and becoming somnolent. The right pupil is enlarged. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

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

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Correct answer: D — Noncontrast CT head

Rapid neurologic deterioration after head trauma requires immediate noncontrast CT head to identify epidural hemorrhage and neurosurgical need.

Reference: ACEP Mild Traumatic Brain Injury clinical policy; ATLS guidance