Final answer:
Once coma is coded with one AIS descriptor, other head injuries should be coded using different AIS descriptors that clearly describe each specific injury, avoiding duplication in coding severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a coma is coded with one AIS descriptor (Abbreviated Injury Scale), additional head injuries that do not result in coma should be coded using other appropriate AIS descriptors that accurately reflect the type and severity of each injury. It's important to select descriptors that specify the particular nature of the non-coma injuries, such as contusions, lacerations, or skull fractures. Only one injury should be designated as the highest AIS severity for a given body region, and in cases where multiple injuries occur to the head, the most severe injury is recorded, and the other injuries are then downgraded in coding severity to avoid double counting the effect of multiple injuries on overall patient outcome.