The Modified Denver Screening Criteria (mDSC) is a clinical calculator used for assessing the risk of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) in patients who have experienced a blunt trauma. This scoring system is specifically applicable to trauma patients, particularly those who have suffered blunt force injuries to the head or neck.

The mDSC is clinically useful in identifying patients who are at high risk of BCVI and may benefit from further diagnostic imaging, such as a CT angiogram. This can help in early detection and management of potential cerebrovascular injuries, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and other serious complications.

Exclusion criteria for the use of mDSC may include patients with penetrating trauma, as the scoring system is specifically designed for blunt injuries. Additionally, it may not be applicable in patients with minor injuries or those who are hemodynamically unstable.

Modified Denver Screening Criteria for blunt cerebrovascular injury (mDSC)

# Criteria
 # Signs/symptoms
A. Arterial hemorrhage from neck/nose/mouth
B. Cervical bruit in patients < 50 years old
C. Expanding cervical hematoma
D. Focal neurologic deficit
E. Neurologic deficit inconsistent with head CT
F. Stroke on CT or MRI
# Risk factors: high-energy transfer mechanism associated with:
G. Displaced mid-face fracture (Le Fort II or III)
H. Basilar skull fracture with carotid canal involvement
I. Diffuse axonal injury with GCS < 6
J. Cervical vertebral body or transverse foramen fracture, subluxation, or ligamentous injury at any level, any fracture at C1-C3
K. Near hanging with anoxic brain injury
L. Clothesline-type injury or seat belt abrasion with significant swelling, pain, or altered mental status

# Conditions
- A or B or C or D or E or F or G or H or I or J or K or L
- true