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Trauma Head and C-Spine

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    NC Head Non-contrast Vertex to Foramen magnum
    NC C-spine Non-contrast Skull base to T1
    • Trauma head injury
    • C-spine clearance
    • Multi-trauma assessment

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine head-first. Cervical collar in place
    • NPO Status: None - trauma

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • TWO acquisitions: 1) Head vertex to C1 2) C-spine skull base to T1. Head: 5mm axial. C-spine: 0.625mm with reformats. Minimize movement
    • Additional Recons: C-spine: Sagittal and coronal bone reformats. 3D if complex fracture
    • Maintain cervical precautions. C-collar remains on. Document GCS

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Head: acute hemorrhage skull fractures. C-spine: fractures alignment ligamentous injury
    • Keep C-collar on. Minimize patient movement
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Head Vertex C1 N/A N/A Lateral
NC Head Vertex Foramen magnum N/A 5 mm Parallel to hard palate
Scout C-spine Skull base T1 N/A N/A AP and lateral
NC C-spine Skull base T1 N/A 0.625 mm Helical submillimeter
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Head Brain 5 mm/5 mm Brain 3 Brain and bone windows
Sagittal C-spine C-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Midline and parasagittal
Coronal C-spine C-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Coronal alignment
Axial C-spine C-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Axial bone windows