Blunt head trauma (BHT) is a result of concussion or contusion and can lead to lacerated major blood vessels, aorta, or organs. Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the complications of BHT and occurs when a blood vessel in the skull is ruptured. This study aims to examine the incidence of delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage in older adults with BHT.
This prospective observational cohort study included a total of 859 patients (45.3% male) aged 55 years or older (median age 75 years) who had BHT and were taking or not taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage within 14 days of the injury.
Of 859 patients, 343 (39.9%) were taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Delayed traumatic hemorrhage occurred in 3 patients (0.3%). Out of the 3 patients, 1 patient was taking warfarin sodium alone, and 2 patients were not taking any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.
The research concluded that the incidence of delayed intracranial hemorrhage in older adults with a recent episode of BHT was low. The low incidence trend continued in patients who were taking and were not taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.
Ref: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2672215?resultClick=1
