What does the "A" in the HEADS injury evaluation stand for?

The "A" in the HEADS injury evaluation stands for Amnesia. This evaluation is commonly used in assessing head injuries, particularly in sports and emergency medicine contexts. Amnesia is a critical component because it refers to a loss of memory that can occur after a head injury, indicating potential brain dysfunction. Evaluating for amnesia helps clinicians understand the severity of the injury and whether there may be concussion-related complications. This awareness is essential for determining appropriate management and follow-up care for the injured individual.