Overview

• Researchers analyzed 2,686 adults aged 65 and older treated for fall-related head injuries at two South Florida Level I trauma centers over one year.
• Overall intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 11% of patients, including 7% of those on warfarin and 6% of non-anticoagulated patients.
• Patients with subtherapeutic INR levels had the highest bleeding incidence at nearly 20%, while no brain bleeds were recorded in those with INR levels above 5.
• Current emergency guidelines that mandate extra monitoring and repeat CT scans for anticoagulated patients may need revision in light of these results.
• Authors contend that prioritizing proper anticoagulation management could reduce unnecessary imaging, shorten hospital stays, and lower health care costs.