Neurology Emergency Medicine A
New Orleans Head CT Decision Rule
Identifies low-risk minor head injury patients who can avoid CT head. Applies to patients with GCS 15, loss of consciousness, and head trauma.
Used in: Head Injury
Score interpretation
CT Not Indicated 0
No criteria met. CT head not required. Risk of intracranial injury <1%.
→ Discharge with head injury advice. Return if symptoms worsen. No CT required.
CT Indicated 1–7
One or more criteria present. CT head indicated.
→ Perform CT head. Observe as per NICE head injury guidelines. Consider admission if CT unavailable or high-risk mechanism.
Interpretation bands for the New Orleans Head CT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Haydel MJ et al. Indications for computed tomography in patients with minor head injury. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(2):100-105.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
- AIR Score for Appendicitis · Diagnostic
- Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) Diagnosis · Diagnostic
- Modified Alvarado Score (MANTRELS) for Appendicitis · Diagnostic
- MS Phenotype Classification (McDonald / Phenotype) · Diagnostic
- CHALICE Rule for Childhood Head Injury · Diagnostic
- STONE Score for Uncomplicated Ureteral Stones · Diagnostic
Drugs
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Cetuximab · Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody — Head and Neck Cancer
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
- Pembrolizumab (Head and Neck SCC) · PD-1 Inhibitor
- Nivolumab (Head and Neck SCC) · PD-1 Inhibitor
Pathways
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.