Nexus Criteria for cervical clearance
✎ Cervical spine imaging is not necessary in patients meeting all the 5 criteria below
✎In other words, cervical collar cannot be removed first prior to cervical CT scan if patient does not fulfill all the 5 criteria below
✎Mnemonic: NSAID
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🞜 N: Absence of focal Neurological deficit
🞜 S: Absence of midline cervical Spine tenderness
🞜 A: Normal level of Alertness & consciousness (GCS must be full)
🞜 I: No evidence of Intoxication
🞜 D: Absence of Distracting injury
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Distracting injuries:
• Long bone fracture
• Visceral injury requiring surgical consultation
• Large laceration / degloving / crush injury
• Large burns
• Any other injury producing acute functional impairment
Reference: SpringerLink