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Table 2 Definitions of severity of head trauma

From: Comparison of minor head trauma management in the emergency departments of a United States and Italian Children’s hospital

Definitions of Severity of Head Trauma at Boston Children’s Hospital

 Minor Head Trauma

Characterized by all of the following: GCS 14–15, No fracture signs of the skull base, No focal neurologic deficit

 Major Head Trauma

Characterized by one or more of the following: GCS ≤ 13, Skull base fracture signs, Depressive fracture of the cranial vault, Focal neurological deficits (sensory, motor, visual, verbal), Post-traumatic seizure

 Severe Head Trauma

Major head trauma with a GCS ≤ 8 or rapid deterioration of the state of consciousness and must include the involvement of the anesthetist for airway management

Definitions of Severity of Head Trauma at Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo

 Minor Head Trauma

Patients with a GCS 14–15

 Major Head Trauma

Patients with a GCS ≤ 13, including those with any altered mental status or loss of consciousness

 Severe Head Trauma

Patient with a GCS ≤ 8 or rapid deterioration of the state of consciousness and need for an anesthetist for airway management.