CAISS Head and Neck Injuries 3

Question 1

A motorcyclist sustains a subdural hematoma with midline shift >5 mm on CT. What is the minimum expected AIS severity?

Accepted Answer

AIS 4

Answer

An acute subdural hematoma with significant midline shift is coded AIS 4 (Severe) or higher depending on clinical status.

Question 2

In the AIS dictionary, 'diffuse axonal injury' (DAI) with coma lasting more than 6 hours is coded at which level?

Accepted Answer

AIS 5

Answer

DAI with coma exceeding 6 hours represents a life-threatening brain injury coded at AIS 5 (Critical).

Question 3

Which of the following is an AIS 6 (Maximum/Untreatable) head injury?

Accepted Answer

Complete brainstem destruction

Answer

Complete brainstem destruction is virtually unsurvivable and is coded AIS 6.

Question 4

When a patient has a C3 fracture with complete motor and sensory loss below that level, what AIS code applies?

Accepted Answer

AIS 5

Answer

A high cervical cord injury (C3) with complete neurological deficit is coded AIS 5 (Critical) due to the threat to respiratory function.

Question 5

An intracerebral hemorrhage is found in the temporal lobe measuring 15 mL with GCS 14. Which AIS severity is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

AIS 3

Answer

A small temporal intracerebral hemorrhage with near-normal GCS is coded AIS 3 (Serious).

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test