Although falls are the most important cause of intracranial hemorrhage in the population over 65, studies have shown that bleeding occurs in only 5% of geriatric patients who fall. Guidelines have been developed to assist the clinician in identifying patients at risk of intracranial hemorrhage due to the relatively low incidence but significant morbidity and mortality. The 'Falls Decision Rule' was developed by de Wit et al. in 2023 to assess the need for CT in this patient group. In this study, external validation of this newly developed score was planned to evaluate its safety, applicability, and authenticity.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients aged 65 years and older.
* Patients who presented to the emergency department within 48 hours of a fall.
* Patients who provided informed consent to participate in the study or whose legal guardians provided consent if the patients are unable to do so.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients who have already been included in the study previously.
* Patients who refuse medical treatment or withdraw consent during the study period.
* Patients with incomplete data necessary for the study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of Participants With the Clinically Important Intracranial Bleeding
Timeframe: From baseline to 42 days (Patients will be followed up for 42 days after the fall and evaluated for delayed intracranial haemorrhage).