Canadian CT Head Rule

Last Updated on August 19, 2026

Head CT is required in minor head injury if patient has any of these signs:

High risk (for neurological intervention)

1. Age ≥65 years
2. GCS <15 at 2 hours after injury
3. Suspected open or depressed skull fracture
4. Any sign of basal skull fracture
5. Vomiting ≥2 episodes

Medium risk (for brain injury on CT)

6. Amnesia before impact >30 mins
7. Dangerous mechanism

Exclusion Criteria

• Non-trauma cases
• GCS <13 on arrival
• Age <16 years
• Coumadin or bleeding disorder
• Obvious open skull fracture