The emergent reversal of coagulopathies encountered in neurosurgery and neurology: A technical note

Abstract

It is imperative for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neurointensivists to know how to stop lifethreatening hemorrhage in both surgical and non-surgical patients. However, knowing how to medically correct a coagulopathy has become increasingly challenging as more contemporary and sophisticated anticoagulation agents are developed and prescribed. In a time-sensitive and life-threatening situation, where there is little margin for error, the neurosurgeon may not have ready access to information about the drug or condition that caused the coagulopathy or the information on how to treat it. This thorough review of the literature provides a comprehensive overview of the medications and conditions that can lead to persistent and/or life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage.