Emergency features and management
| Adults (total = 27)n (%) | Children (total = 20)n (%) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GCS, Glasgow Coma Scale; ICP, intracranial pressure; N/A, not applicable. | |||
| 1. | Features of deteriorating GCS | ||
| a. | Loss of consciousness | 13 (48) | 2 (10) |
| b. | Drowsiness/sleepiness | 18 (67) | 13 (65) |
| c. | Disorientation | 4 (15) | 4 (20) |
| d. | Confusion | 18 (67) | 12 (60) |
| e. | Normal breathing pattern | N/A | 7 (35) |
| f. | Normal response to parent/carer | N/A | 8 (40) |
| 2. | Features of increased ICP | ||
| a. | Persistent nausea | 1 (4) | 0 (0) |
| b. | Vomiting | 26 (96) | 19 (95) |
| c. | Headache unrelieved by analgesia | 25 (93) | 18 (90) |
| d. | Fits/seizures | 20 (74) | 13 (65) |
| 3. | Focal neurological features | ||
| a. | Weakness | 14 (52) | 11 (55) |
| b. | Alteration in sensation | 10 (37) | 0 (0) |
| c. | Change in vision | 22 (81) | 10 (50) |
| d. | Problems with balance | 4 (15) | 0 (0) |
| 4. | Evidence of a base of skull fracture | ||
| a. | fluid/blood out of ears/nose | 13 (48) | 9 (45) |
| 5. | Neuropsychological impairment | ||
| a. | Change in behaviour | 6 (22) | 13 (65) |
| b. | Slurring/problems with speech | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |