Canadian CT Head Injury/Trauma Rule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are approximately 3 million patients seen in United States (US) emergency departments for head trauma annually. Head computed tomography (CT) utilization in emergency departments has continued to increase dramatically with approximately 16 million head CTs performed in 2022, more than double the number performed in 2007. While different studies provide varying estimates, the data suggests that approximately one third of head CTs performed are unnecessary or avoidable. Over 90% of head CTs obtained in patients with mild head trauma are negative and less than 1% require neurosurgical intervention. The Canadian CT Head Injury/Trauma Rule identifies high and moderate risk features to help determine when CT imaging is indicated to help reduce overutilization.