What should a responder check for when assessing a traumatic brain injury?

When assessing a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is crucial to evaluate the pupil response and posturing. The pupils can provide vital information about the brain's functioning; for example, unequal or nonreactive pupils can indicate increased intracranial pressure or a neurological deficit. Additionally, assessing posturing (such as decerebrate or decorticate posturing) can help identify the severity of the brain injury and the patient's level of brain function. These assessments are part of a comprehensive neurological evaluation that can guide treatment and transport decisions.

Other factors such as vital signs, hydration, and body temperature are important in a complete patient assessment but are not as directly indicative of brain injury severity as pupil response and posturing. Vital signs can signal overall physiological status, and changes in hydration or temperature may indicate secondary issues rather than specific brain function impairment. Thus, focusing on pupil response and posturing provides the most immediate and relevant information for assessing a traumatic brain injury.