Preventing Secondary Injury from Hypoxemia in Traumatic Brain Injuries

Authors

Caroline York, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Trauma

Advisor

Dr. Victoria Beloy DMSc, PA-C

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an umbrella term representing all injuries that impact the function of the brain. In the United States (US), TBI accounts for approximately 220,000 hospitalizations and 64,000 deaths each year. Primary injury represents damage to the brain, which occurs at the time of the injury. Secondary injury represents additional brain damage resulting from the physiologic cascade initiated at the time of primary injury. One of the mainstay treatments for severe TBI patients is preventing further damage via secondary injury by using rapid diagnosis and intervention to avoid worsening neurological damage. Brain oxygenation (PbtO₂) monitoring can be used as a marker to identify cerebral tissue at risk for secondary injury due to hypoxemia. Large, randomized control trials comparing neurological outcomes and overall mortality in adult patients with severe TBI monitored with PbtO₂ are currently limited. However, available evidence suggests that monitoring patients with PbtO₂, and managing cerebral hypoxemia, mildly improves neurological outcomes and mortality in adults with severe TBI by preventing additional damage via secondary injury.

Recommended Citation

York C. Preventing Secondary Injury from Hypoxemia in Traumatic Brain Injuries. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(2).