Show
Oriana D. Scislowicz, BS, LVT This article covers the gamut from triage and emergency assessment, initial stabilization, physical examination, diagnosis, surgical and/or medical therapy, and monitoring of the patient. Although animals with head trauma are frequently presented to emergency hospitals, veterinary teams at general practices encounter these patients as well. Therefore, understanding triage and emergency assessment and treatment of head trauma is important for every veterinary professional in practice. TYPES OF HEAD TRAUMAHead trauma often results from falls, gunshot wounds, car crashes, and altercations with other animals. When assessing a head trauma patient, it is helpful to understand the differences between primary and secondary head injuries. Primary head trauma immediately follows impact and consists of direct damage to the brain parenchyma, such as contusions, lacerations, and diffuse axonal injury. There also may be damage to blood vessels in the brain, which can cause subsequent intracranial hemorrhage and vasogenic edema (Table 1). Secondary injuries result from increased intracranial pressure—the pressure exerted within the skull by hemorrhage and swollen brain tissue—that causes further damage by stimulating various biochemical pathways. The primary mediators that become involved in this injury include nitric oxide, glutamate, and oxygen free radicals.1 When inflammation and bleeding occurs within the brain, cerebrospinal fluid—the fluid that bathes the spinal column and brain—and intracranial venous blood are directed out of the skull and back into the body in order to compensate for the other space occupying lesions. If the body has already exhausted all of its compensatory mechanisms and intracranial pressure continues to rise, intracranial hypertension can develop.2 INITIAL STABILIZATION
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONOnce the patient is stable, a more thorough physical examination can be completed. Make sure to avoid:
DIAGNOSTICS & TREATMENTOnce a patient has been stabilized and assessed, and had a thorough physical examination, further diagnostics can be pursued. Routine Blood AnalysisBlood can be drawn (but not from the jugular vein) for blood cell counts, chemistry panels, and venous and arterial blood gas values:
Brainstem Integrity TestsSeveral brainstem integrity tests can be performed:
CSF analysis should not be performed on head trauma patients because it increases the risk of brain herniation.5 Medical TherapyFluids should be given throughout the course of treatment for head trauma patients. Use crystalloid fluids with caution because they can exacerbate cerebral edema. Mannitol or hypertonic saline is used to treat increased intracranial pressure. Mannitol is chosen to treat intracranial pressure in cardiovascularly stable patients, while hypertonic saline is chosen for patients with intracranial pressure accompanied by shock or hypovolemia because it greatly expands intravascular volume. See Table 4 for dosages and preparation. Remember that:
Furosemide can be used in conjunction with mannitol to help manage initial expansion of intravascular volume following mannitol administration. See Table 4 for dosage. Monitor furosemide usage closely—it can lead to cerebral ischemia by depleting intravascular fluid volume.2 Surgical TherapyIn head trauma patients, surgery can help patients that have hematomas and, sometimes, skull fractures (identified by imaging). However, in contrast to humans, subdural hematomas are not the most common type of intracranial hemorrhage in dogs; instead, dogs have more evidence of contusions, which cannot be treated surgically. Patients requiring surgery should be referred to a surgeon who specializes in this area of veterinary medicine. MONITORINGAs with other critical patients, animals with head trauma should have the following monitored:
PROGNOSISThe prognosis for head trauma patients can range greatly, depending on the severity of injury. However, it is possible, especially with thorough care, to nurse these patients back to a quality of life acceptable to their owners and even, in some cases, a full recovery. Improvements can continue over the following 9 to 12 months. However, for up to 2 years, post-injury patients can experience epilepsy as a result of head trauma.5 EIGHT STEPS OF NURSING CAREPlace an IV catheter immediately after initial assessment of patients that have experienced head trauma (also discussed in Step 3 under Initial Stabilization). Elevate the cranial end of the body, not just the head, by 30 to 40 degrees, which helps decrease intracranial pressure and decreases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. If only the head is elevated, kinking the neck, the jugular veins may become restricted, causing intracranial pressure to increase. Place patients in a cage or kennel with ample bedding and rotate the patient every 4 hours to help prevent decubital ulcers. Conduct range-of-motion exercises every 6 to 8 hours to help avoid muscle wasting because these patients are unable to move normally or exercise. Treat eyes with ocular wash and artificial tear ointment every 4 hours to provide lubrication for patients that may be unable to blink, which keeps ulcers and dry eye from developing. Wipe out the oral cavity of comatose patients every 4 to 6 hours with water or an oral cleansing spray; these patients may have difficulty swallowing, resulting in saliva and debris buildup. Diluted liquid glycerin can help keep the mouth moist, while a suction machine can remove larger amounts of secretions. Express the bladder every 3 to 6 hours, or place a urinary catheter if the patient is unable to walk or stand and eliminate. Monitor urine output every 4 hours to ensure the patient is producing adequate amounts of urine. Hand feed patients every 4 to 6 hours while they are in a sternal position. If the patient is unable to swallow, consider placing a feeding tube and then administer a gruel through the tube every 4 to 6 hours.2 Avoid nasogastric tubes because they cause irritation to the nares, which may cause sneezing and, subsequently, an increase in intracranial pressure. IN SUMMARYCaring for patients with head trauma can be exceptionally rewarding for veterinary team members due to the high level of nursing care required and the strong connection created between the patient and veterinary caregiver during recovery. There is also the opportunity to share knowledge with pet owners, most of whom will be providing nursing care at home. This creates a strong bond between pet owners, patients, and the veterinary team, which most team members consider one of the most rewarding aspects of their careers. ABC = airway, breathing, circulation; BAER = brainstem auditory evoked response; CO2 = carbon dioxide; CSF = cerebrospinal fluid; EEG = electroencephalography; MAP = mean arterial pressure; O2 = oxygen; PCV = packed cell volume; PLR = pupillary light response
References
What should you assess after head injury?Assessment of the head injury patient should include airway, cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, and haemorrhage control followed by the GCS. The GCS score should be used in the assessment of all patients with head injury by trained healthcare providers.
What are 3 signs of a head injury?What are the symptoms of a head injury?. Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise.. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp.. Headache.. Sensitivity to noise and light.. Irritability.. Confusion.. Lightheadedness and/or dizziness.. Problems with balance.. What is the priority nursing management of the patient with a head injury?The first priority in any emergency is always an adequate airway. The nurse is involved in clearing the mouth, inserting an oral airway, assisting with intubation, oxygen therapy and assessing continually the patient's respiratory system.
How do you assess brain injury and what are the clinical features?A medical exam is the first step to diagnose a potential brain injury. Assessment usually includes a neurological exam. This exam evaluates thinking, motor function (movement), sensory function, coordination, eye movement, and reflexes. Imaging tests, including CT scans and MRI scans, cannot detect all TBIs.
|