There is no such thing as mild, moderate and severe TBI

Neuro Resus

Andrew Chow vs Andrew Udy

This debate was set up to discuss the issues with categorising traumatic brain injury (TBI). The current system using GCS to divide patients into mild, moderate and severe has been criticised in recent times, with calls for a more nuanced approach. The debate was a just bit of fun but does highlight the key issues. Chowie didn’t get to choose which side to argue for :)

Andrew Chow, Intensivist with a neurosurgical background, argues that the current categorisation system for TBI works, and makes sense! He tackles us through the history of this system, and why it’s important to differentiate different types of TBI. The arguments in favour of this categorisation include the consistency and benefits of a universal language, the implications for triage and management, and the fact that this system has been endorsed by all major organisations.

Andrew Udy then argues that this classification is fundamentally flawed. He discusses the issues with the Glasgow Coma Scale, and therefore the follow-on issues in TBI classification, including all the confounders to the GCS, the issues with timing of the score as well as GCS not taking baseline function or specifics subtypes of TBI into account. He makes the argument that biomarkers may better categorise the diffuse entity we call TBI.

This podcast was recorded at the Brain Symposium which took place in March 2023. For more talks and content like this, visit neuroresus.com or subscribe to be notified of new podcast releases via email.

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