
Prolonged Field Care Podcast PFC Podcast: TBI Update with Dr. VanWyke
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Dec 4, 2025 Dr. Van Wyk, a neurologist with military experience and co-author of TBI management guidelines, dives into critical updates on traumatic brain injury care. He discusses insights from the CRASH-3 trial and the effectiveness of TXA for moderate TBI cases. The importance of monitoring intracranial pressure and the potential for surgical interventions in challenging environments are highlighted. Van Wyk also debates seizure prophylaxis options and the use of hypertonic saline versus sodium bicarbonate as treatment alternatives.
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TXA Helps Early Survival In Mild–Moderate TBI
- The CRASH-3 trial showed TXA is safe and reduces early head-injury deaths but did not meet all primary endpoints.
- Benefit appears greater for moderate and some mild TBI than for severe TBI, per Van Wyk.
Keep Standard TXA Dosing For Now
- Stick with the CRASH-2–derived TXA dosing of 1 g IV then 1 g over 8 hours until stronger evidence supports change.
- Avoid switching to a routine single 2 g push solely for convenience without pharmacokinetic confirmation, per Van Wyk.
Carry 23.4% Hypertonic Saline For ICP Rescue
- Consider carrying 23.4% hypertonic saline for rapid ICP rescue because peripheral/IO use appears safe and effective.
- Use 15–30 mL boluses; it is logistically lighter than many 3% bags, per Van Wyk.
