#SimBlog: Head Injury & ICP Control

#SimBlog: Head Injury & ICP Control

“Approx. 30 y/o male, he is a cyclist hit by a car, no helmet worn. En-route his pupil has become fixed and dilated.”
— PMH: unknown
 

Observations

A – Patent, and groaning

B – Bilateral Air Ent, Sats 98% (100%)

C – HR 110, BP 107/75

D – GCS E1 V2 M2 (5), left pupil fixed and dilated. BM 6.5

E – Temp: 35.9°C

Clinical Findings

  • External Head Inj: blood from his nose and a head wound.

  • Abdomen soft

  • No obvious limb injuries

 

Why We Simulated?

Efforts to evaluate and manage increased intracranial pressure (ICP) should begin in the ED.

Patients with severe Traumatic Brain Injury (GCS ≤8) and clinical symptoms suggesting possible impending herniation should be treated urgently, with head elevation and osmotic therapy.

Features to look for include:

  • Unilaterally or bilaterally fixed and dilated pupil(s),

  • Decorticate or decerebrate posturing,

  • Bradycardia, hypertension & respiratory depression (Cushing's reflex)

These patients may come directly here for stabilisation prior to transfer to the Major Trauma Centre.

Further Reading:

Learning Points

  1. Listen to handover fully as important information may come at the end.

  2. Utilise all members of the team and as team leader consider a hands off approach.

  3. Mannitol is available in the stacks - with a giving set and instructions on dose, etc.

Positive Feedback

  • Good escalation of voice and tone by anaesthetics when they weren't heard by other team members.

  • Correctly identified the need for neuroprotection.

  • Responded appropriately to patient vomiting

  • Effective communication by nursing staff that they are being allocated too many jobs at one time.

Edit & Peer Review by Rebecca Prest

Thank you to the Critical Care team for allowing a trainee and an ODP to join us for a truly multidiciplinary simulation. Hopefully more of these to come!

Considering a Career in EM?

Considering a Career in EM?

#MiniTeach: Hot And Bothered

#MiniTeach: Hot And Bothered