NCAT
Medical abbreviation · Patient Assessment
| Stands for | Normocephalic, atraumatic |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NCAT stands for Normocephalic, atraumatic, a patient assessment abbreviation.
Head exam finding meaning the skull is of normal size and shape and shows no signs of injury such as bruising, swelling, lacerations or deformity. It typically opens the HEENT section of a physical exam.
Example: HEENT: NCAT, no scalp hematoma, mucous membranes moist.
Usage notes
After any fall or head injury, a documented NCAT exam establishes the baseline. Battle sign (bruising behind the ear) and raccoon eyes would contradict "atraumatic" and suggest skull base fracture. Some notes use "AT/NC" in reverse order.
Related abbreviations
More patient assessment abbreviations
- LUE – Left upper extremity
- MAE – Moves all extremities
- MAEW – Moves all extremities well
- MEWS – Modified Early Warning Score
- MMM – Moist mucous membranes
- NABS – Normoactive bowel sounds
- NEWS2 – National Early Warning Score 2
- NIBP – Noninvasive blood pressure
- NRS – Numeric rating scale
- NT/ND – Nontender, nondistended
- NVI – Neurovascularly intact
- OPQRST – Onset, provocation, quality, region/radiation, severity, time
See all 65 patient assessment abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.