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)