New Orleans Criteria (CT after head trauma)

The New Orleans Criteria is a clinical decision tool for whether a CT scan is indicated after head trauma. Often contrasted and compared with the Canadian CT Head Rule, which is similar in sensitivity, but differs somewhat in specificity, with CCHR performing better. More on the comparison of the two in this article (abstract) by Papa et al from 2012.

Inclusion Criteria
  • Age >18
  • GCS 15
  • Blunt head trauma occurring within previous 24hr causing LOC, amnesia, or disorientation
Rule

Head CT not required if NONE of the following are present

  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Age >60yr
  • Drug or Alcohol Intoxication
  • Persistent anterograde amnesia (deficits in short-term memory)
  • Visible trauma above the clavicles
  • Seizure

Source: WikEM