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Unexpected intracranial finding after minor trauma

Inés MORENO UNZURRUNZAGA and Natalia Mariana ESCAURIAZA ISPIZUA

Incidental findings on neuroimaging performed after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are increasingly reported, partly due to the growing availability and use of Computed Tomography (CT) in Emergency Departments (ED). Current evidence indicates that up to 2–3% of neuroimaging studies for this cause reveal unrelated intracranial abnormalities, most of them benign. These findings can create diagnostic and emotional uncertainty for patients and clinicians. Family physicians play a key role in identifying red flags, ensuring appropriate referral for acute evaluation, and providing longitudinal follow-up. This report presents the case of a 54-year-old male taxi driver in whom a minor traffic accident led to the incidental detection of an intracranial lesion.The patient, with no relevant medical history, reported complete amnesia for a frontal rear-end collision he suffered two days before. Apart from neck pain and mild headache, there were no signs of alarm in the physical and neurological examination. Since episodic amnesia and the possibility of unrecognized transient loss of consciousness, the patient was referred to the ED. Cranial CT excluded acute traumatic lesions but revealed a 1.8-cm right frontal hypodense, non–mass-effect lesion suggestive of an intracerebral nodule. Neurology assessment included Electroencephalogram (EEG), which showed an epileptiform focus in that nodule. The patient was informed and referred for diagnostic evaluation. Primary care assumed ongoing emotional support, clinical monitoring and coordination across specialties. The diagnostic process remains ongoing.This case illustrates how a minor traumatic event may uncover an asymptomatic intracranial lesion. It highlights the essential role of family physicians as the first point of clinical triage and as coordinators of safe, patient-centred care pathways.Increasing neuroimaging use in TBI evaluation is likely to raise incidentaloma detection. Standardized primary-care pathways are needed to guide communication, risk assessment, and referral. Empathetic communication and rapid multidisciplinary coordination may reduce unnecessary interventions and patient’s anxiety. Follow-up should incorporate a biopsychosocial perspective to address clinical and emotional impacts.Most intracranial incidentalomas are benign but still pose diagnostic and coordination challenges for Family Physicians.Their role is essential for risk stratification, continuity of care, and guiding patients safely through the diagnostic process.