Aim: To support the prevention and management of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in the context of Acquired Brain Injury.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the generic term which describes venous clotting disorders, either due to deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Without prophylaxis, lower limb DVT has been estimated to be as high as 25% in patients with traumatic brain injury who have no other injuries.
Treatment Decisions
With regard to treatment decisions relating to VTE management in general, or specifically for information on the following issues:
- Criteria for VTE preventative treatment.
- Criteria for treatment of confirmed VTE.
- Choices of treatment.
Please consult the summarised recommendations in the following guidelines, which provide expert resources on these topics. You should also consult your employer’s VTE management guidelines.
SIGN Guideline 122 – Prevention and Management of Venous Thromboembolism
NICE Guidelines Embolism and Thrombosis
Please click on the links below for further information:
Why do Patients get VTE following Brain Injury?
Assessment of VTE Risk using the Wells Score
Risks, Benefits and Uncertainties in Managing VTE following Traumatic Brain Injury