TBI Pharmacological Management Flashcards

Which medication class is commonly used to manage agitation in the acute phase of TBI?

Answer: Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are frequently used short-term to control agitation and anxiety during the acute TBI phase.

Why is aspirin generally avoided in the immediate post-TBI period?

Answer: It inhibits platelet aggregation and raises bleeding risk

Aspirin's antiplatelet effects can worsen intracranial hemorrhage in the acute TBI setting.

Which antiepileptic drug is most commonly used for seizure prophylaxis in severe TBI within the first 7 days?

Answer: Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam (Keppra) is widely used for early post-traumatic seizure prophylaxis due to its favorable side-effect profile.

What is the primary concern with using opioids for pain management in TBI patients?

Answer: They can mask neurological changes and worsen consciousness assessment

Opioids alter level of consciousness and pupil reactivity, making accurate neurological monitoring difficult.

Which drug is used to reduce cerebral edema by creating an osmotic gradient to draw water from brain tissue?

Answer: Mannitol

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that reduces cerebral edema by drawing fluid out of brain tissue into the vasculature.

Amantadine is prescribed in TBI recovery primarily to address which problem?

Answer: Disorders of consciousness and cognitive impairment

Amantadine has dopaminergic and glutamatergic effects that can accelerate recovery from disorders of consciousness in TBI patients.