CLASSIFICATION OF SEVERITY

The standard classification of head trauma severity based on the duration of PTA is from Jennett & Teasdale (1981) and is reproduced below. This classification system is an expanded version of the system developed by Russell & Smith (1961).

Duration of PTA
Severity of Injury
less than 5 minutes
Very Mild
5 - 60 minutes
Mild
1 - 24 hours
Moderate
1 - 7 days
Severe
1 - 4 weeks
Very Severe
greater than 4 weeks
Extremely Severe

Once the patient is out of PTA they should be classified according to this system.

Please note: PTA is calculated from the time of the accident. It therefore includes the period of coma.

USE THE ARROWS TO NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH THIS SECTION