Validating the falls decision rule: optimizing head CT use in older adults with ground-level falls.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury in older adults, with ground-level falls being the most common mechanism. Despite the increasing use of head computed tomography (CT) in older adults with ground-level falls, there is an ongoing debate regarding the necessity of routine neuroimaging in all cases. The falls decision rule was developed to safely exclude clinically important intracranial bleeding without head CT in older adults. This study aims to validate the falls decision rule externally and assess its accuracy in identifying low-risk patients while reducing unnecessary imaging.

Methods

This prospective cohort study at a Level-1 trauma center enrolled consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years presenting within 48 h of a ground-level fall. Patient manag

SUBMITTER: Kudu E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12380872 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature