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Abstract
To assess the effect of alcohol intoxication on injury severity and head injury assessment,
blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) were related to the severity of injuries (Injury
Severity Score and Assault Trauma Score) and Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) in 242 consecutive
victims of weekend, night-time assault, none of whom had head injuries. No correlation
was found between degree of intoxication and severity of injury. There was a highly
significant correlation between BAC and GCS. However, high BACs (greater than 240
mg/100 ml) were associated with only a 2–3 point reduction in GCS. The median BAC
in patients with a normal GCS was 115 mg/100 ml. Neurological assessments need to
take account of the highly variable, depressive effects of alcohol.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 15,
1995
Identification
Copyright
© 1995 Published by Elsevier Inc.
