Understanding & Managing Secondary TBI
What is Secondary TBI?
Complications developing hours/days post-injury requiring urgent care:
- Brain swelling/bleeding
- Oxygen deprivation
Common Causes
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Cerebral edema
- Hypoxia/Ischemia
Risk Factors
- Severe initial trauma
- Delayed treatment
- Blood disorders
Key Symptoms
- Worsening headache
- Uneven pupils
- Loss of consciousness
Prevention & Monitoring
- Immediate CT/MRI imaging
- ICP monitoring
- Sterile protocols
Surgical Options
- Hematoma evacuation
- Decompressive craniectomy
Medications
- Mannitol for edema
- Levetiracetam for seizures
ICU Care
- Ventilator support
- Hypothermia therapy
Long-Term Management
Rehabilitation
- Neurocognitive therapy
- Speech-language pathology
Monitoring
- Annual MRI scans
- Cognitive assessments
When to Seek Help
- Breathing difficulties
- CSF leakage
- Unconsciousness
Key Insight: Early detection prevents 60% of secondary TBI complications (J Neurosurg 2023)