What imaging modalities are recommended for the diagnosis of extradural haematoma in primary care settings?

Imaging modalities recommended for diagnosing extradural haematoma in primary care settings:

• CT head scan is the primary and recommended imaging modality for detecting acute clinically important traumatic brain injuries, including extradural haematoma.
• MRI is not recommended as the primary investigation for clinically important traumatic brain injury due to safety, logistic, and resource reasons, although it may provide additional prognostic information.
• Plain skull X-rays are not recommended for diagnosing important traumatic brain injury and should only be considered after discussion with a neuroscience unit, especially in children under 16 for suspected non-accidental injury.
• Direct access to neuroimaging from primary care or community settings is not recommended; patients with suspected extradural haematoma should be referred urgently to emergency departments or hospitals with CT imaging facilities.

Therefore, in primary care settings, no imaging modality is directly recommended or available for diagnosing extradural haematoma. The appropriate action is urgent referral to an emergency department for CT head imaging.

References: CT head scan is the investigation of choice for acute traumatic brain injury NICE NG232. MRI is not recommended as primary imaging NICE NG232. Plain X-rays are not advised for diagnosis NICE NG232. Direct access to imaging from community is not recommended NICE NG232.