Journal of Neurotrauma, 2023 · DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0180 · Published: June 1, 2023
This study investigates blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) in elderly Japanese patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries (CSI), including spinal cord injury (SCI). BCVI involves damage to blood vessels in the brain due to blunt force trauma. The research found that a small percentage of elderly patients with CSI also experienced BCVI, and certain factors like head injury and specific types of cervical fractures increased the risk of BCVI. Early diagnosis of BCVI is crucial to prevent complications such as brain infarction and death. The study suggests that elderly patients with CSI and certain risk factors should be screened for BCVI.
Implement routine BCVI screening for elderly patients with CSI who present with head injury, severe neurological deficits (ASIA A SCI and tetraplegia type), specific cervical fracture types (AO type F, BL, C), and cervical dislocation at C1-6 levels.
Increase awareness among clinicians regarding the elevated risk of BCVI in elderly CSI patients with the identified risk factors, even in cases of low-energy trauma.
Develop tailored treatment strategies for BCVI in elderly CSI patients, considering the Denver grading scale and individual patient characteristics, to minimize complications such as brain infarction and mortality.