Delayed Intracranial Hemorrhage after Head Trauma in Patients on Direct-acting Oral Anticoagulants

[...]the prevalence of delayed ICH in patients on the new class of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DAOCs) [historically referred to as novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs)] is unknown, and no standardized guidelines have been established to assist clinicians with managing these patients. [...]we developed institutional guidelines in our emergency department for repeat head computed tomography (CT) imaging 12 hours after injury in patients with blunt head trauma on DOACs. Anticoagulation is a major risk factor for ICH and poor outcomes in patients with head trauma [4,5]. [...]a systematic approach to evaluating patients who experience blunt head trauma while taking oral anticoagulants is essential for emergency medicine practitioners.