The patient should be fully monitored with a noninvasive blood pressure cuff, pulse oximetry, cardiac monitor, and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitor (if available). Obtain a CT scan of the head to determine the presence of an acute subdural or epidural hematoma, the location and extent of the hematoma, to rule out the presence of a mass, and to determine if there is any herniation. Obtain a complete blood count (hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count) and a coagulation profile (PT, PTT, and INR) to ensure that the patient is not thrombocytopenic or coagulopathic. These may require reversal with the administration of fresh frozen plasma and/or platelets.