Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Agent Resumption Timing following Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern. Due to the increase in TBI incidence and the aging population, an increasing number of patients with TBI are taking antithrombotic agents for their underlying disease. When TBI occurs in patients with these diseases, there is a conflict between the disease, which requires an antithrombotic effect, and the neurosurgeon, who must minimize intracranial hemorrhage. Nevertheless, there are no clear guidelines for the reversal or resumption of antithrombotic agents when TBI occurs in patients taking antithrombotic agents. In this review article, we intend to classify antithrombotic agents and provide information on them. We also share previous studies on the reversal and resumption of antithrombotic agents in patients with TBI to help neurosurgeons in this dilemma.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients under Anticoagulant Therapy: Review of Management in Emergency Department

“…When TBI occurs in patients taking OAT, the medication should be discontinued to prevent hematoma expansion. On the other hand, these patients are also at significant risk of thromboembolic events [103]. The efficacy of pharmacological prophylaxis in preventing thromboembolic events after TBI is well established in the updated Brain Trauma Foundation guideline [67].…”