4th November 2020

A 42-year-old woman is brought to A&E by ambulance, having been knocked off her bike by a car (2)

A 42-year-old woman is brought to A&E by ambulance, having been knocked off her bike by a car. Bystanders report she was confused and amnesic immediately after the incident. In A&E, an urgent CT head is done, which shows subarachnoid bleeding. On the way back from the scanner, she loses consciousness. She is subsequently stabilised and admitted to ITU where she is intubated. Two days later, she is extubated. Later that day her respirations become irregular, and she is noted to be newly bradycardic and hypertensive.

What complication is being described in this case?

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