Citation

Shahin H, Robertson C. Trauma (Sage) 2012; 14(3): 233-242.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1460408611434382

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Alcohol intoxication is a major predisposing factor for trauma in general and head injury in particular. The management of the head-injured patient is highly contingent on the accurate assessment of this patient's consciousness, which is invariably impaired if the patient is intoxicated. This complicates the decision-making process and impedes the promptness needed in management when the head injury is severe. Furthermore, the prognosis of the head injury can depend on the patient's degree and pattern of intoxication. This article presents some of the latest epidemiological data about the association of alcohol and head injury. It also highlights some of the challenges posed by alcohol intoxication in the management of head-injured patients, and examines the importance of documenting intoxication in head-injured patients.

Language: en