Management of increased intracranial pressure caused by temporal muscle swelling after decompressive craniectomy in patients with sereve traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment of increased intracranial pressure caused by temporal muscle swelling after decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 46 patients with increased intracranial pressure caused by temporal muscle swelling after decompressive craniectomy, admitted to our hospital from January 2004 and January 2012. Among them, 22 were treated with conservative therapy, and the other 24 were treated with operative therapy. Results Based on Glascow Outcome Scale scores, 23 recovered well, 12 had moderate disability, 8 had severe disability, 3 were at vegetative state and no death was noted. Conclusions Temporal muscle swelling after decompressive craniectomy may cause secondary increased intracranial pressure, and this will lead a negative effect on recovery of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Early prophylaxis, early diagnosis and early treatment are necessary for these patients. Key words: Craniocerebral injury; Decompressive craniectomy; Temporal musle swelling; Intracranial hypertension