Citation

Sacco F, Zafren K, Brown K, Cohen T, Coopes BJ, Godersky J, Hudson D, Hyams S, Ingraham D, Levy M, Ma W, Martinez P, Montano W, Mithun J, O'Malley J, O'Neill K, Powers D, Smith L. Alaska Med. 2004; 46(3): 58-62.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Alaska Native Medical Center, 4315 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. fsacco@anmc. org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Alaska State Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15839596

Abstract

Numerous recommendations on the initial evaluation and treatment of the head injured patient have been proposed over the last several years. Most assume there is readily available access to computed tomography and neurosurgical specialists. Many clinicians in Alaska must evaluate and begin treatment of head injured patients in circumstances quite different from this. Vast distances, severe weather and limited medical evacuation capability are factors that come into play while caring for these patients. The current medicolegal climate also contributes to clinician anxiety over missing rare but potentially serious injuries. These guidelines developed by Alaska clinicians from multiple specialties are meant to assist clinicians dealing with this very common problem and represent a reasonable approach to these patients in remote and rural Alaska.

Language: en