CATCH Rule — Paediatric Head CT
Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head injury. Guides CT head in children 0–16 years with blunt minor head injury (GCS 13–15) and loss of consciousness, amnesia, disorientation, persistent vomiting or irritability.
Score interpretation
High-risk factor present: possible need for neurological intervention.
→ Urgent CT head and neurosurgical / paediatric surgical review.
Medium-risk factor present: predicts brain injury on CT.
→ The CATCH rule indicates CT head.
No high- or medium-risk factor.
→ CATCH does not indicate CT. UK practice follows NICE NG232. Discharge with head injury advice if there is no other concern.
Interpretation bands for the CATCH Rule. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Osmond MH et al. CATCH: a clinical decision rule for the use of computed tomography in children with minor head injury. CMAJ. 2010.
- NICE CG176. Head injury: assessment and early management. 2014.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- 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
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.