CHALICE Rule for Childhood Head Injury
Children's Head injury ALgorithm for the prediction of Important Clinical Events — identifies children requiring CT head after head injury. Any criterion = CT indicated.
Score interpretation
No CHALICE criteria met. Clinically low risk.
→ Observe as per local protocol. Head injury discharge advice to parents. Consider 4-hour observation if any residual concern.
One or more criteria met. CT head required to exclude intracranial injury.
→ Urgent CT head. Paediatric neurosurgery alert if positive. Admit for observation. Assess for non-accidental injury if appropriate.
Interpretation bands for the CHALICE. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Dunning J et al. Derivation of the children's head injury algorithm for the prediction of important clinical events decision rule for head injury in children. Arch Dis Child. 2006;91(11):885-891.
- NICE Clinical Guideline CG176. Head injury: assessment and early management. 2014 (updated 2023).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- AIR Score for Appendicitis · Diagnostic
- Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) Diagnosis · Diagnostic
- Modified Alvarado Score (MANTRELS) for Appendicitis · Diagnostic
- New Orleans Head CT Decision Rule · Diagnostic
- MS Phenotype Classification (McDonald / Phenotype) · Diagnostic
- STONE Score for Uncomplicated Ureteral Stones · Diagnostic
- 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
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.