Annals of surgery
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To prospectively examine the clinical role of routine repeat computed tomographic scans of the brain (CTB) in patients with traumatic head injury. ⋯ No patients from our cohort with a "routine" repeat CTB required a change in management. Given the costs and potential risks of routine repeat CTB, and lack of demonstrable benefit, the practice should be reconsidered. Repeat CTB is clearly indicated in patients with deteriorating neurological status, especially younger and more severely head-injured patients.