How to approach neurotrauma: a vet’s perspective – diagnosis and management: Neurotrauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and acute spinal cord injury (SCI), is a relatively common emergency in small animal veterinary medicine that requires thorough patient assessment and a systematic approach to case management. Damage to the neuroparenchyma can be divided into primary injury directly associated with the trauma (e.g. contusion, compression, laceration and distraction) and secondary injury that occurs subsequently due to deficiencies in homeostasis and normal metabolic processes. Interventions are directed at addressing primary injury more so in SCI as well as minimizing the effects of secondary injury in both TBI and SCI. Initial investigations should be the same as any acute neurological case with a through history, physical examination and neurological examination. All patients should ideally have a minimum database performed with particular attention to electrolytes and glucose levels. Care must be taken to ensure the patient is systemically supported with a focus on airways, breathing and circulation. The level of intervention is patient dependent but can often be intense and hands-on. Prognosis for neurotrauma patients depends on the severity of injury, the site of the lesion, and the timing and efficacy of treatment, but with an appropriate response to initial management and stabilisation the outcomes of neurotrauma patients can be good.

How to approach neurotrauma: a vet nurse’s perspective – diagnosis and management: What you might expect, what to prepare for and complications in neurotrauma.