Abnormal head CT in altered mental status

In a study of 674 patients with altered mental status who received a CT scan of the brain, logistic regression analysis identified a series of clinical factors that were associated with an abnormal CT result.
Factors with an adjusted odds ratio between 1 and 2.5 included GCS less than 15, focal weakness, diastolic blood pressure greater than 80mmHg and antiplatelet use.
Four variables were associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.5 or above. These included presence of headache, dilated pupils (either unilateral or bilateral), upgoing plantar response and anticoagulant use.
Identifying risk factors for an abnormal computed tomographic scan of the head among patients with altered mental status in the Emergency Department
Eur J Emerg Med. 2009 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print]