Balancing Risk And Recovery In Neurotrauma Care with Andrea Christmas and Tatum Michael
Physiotherapy Trauma Talks
Chapters
0:00
Setting The Scene: TBI In ICU
1:05
Causes And Types Of Brain Injury
2:33
Primary Vs Secondary Injury Explained
3:27
Neuroprotective Protocols And Targets
4:41
Positioning And Neutral Head Alignment
6:15
ICP Monitoring And Thresholds
7:12
Physio Approach When ICP Is High
9:05
Respiratory Complications And ICP
10:29
When Surgery Is Indicated
12:07
Post-Craniectomy Positioning Precautions
13:15
Progressing Respiratory And Mobility Care
15:10
Safety, Cognition, And Team Handling
16:58
Tracheostomy Care And Secretion Management
18:25
SLT Role, Cuff Deflation, Aspiration Risk
20:04
Fenestrated Tracheostomies And Weaning
22:09
Decannulation Criteria And Process
23:41
Step-Down And Rehab Handover
24:33
Case Study: Tachycardia And Pontine Oedema
27:53
Lessons For Juniors: Patience And Priorities
29:45
Key Takeaways And Closing
Physiotherapy Trauma Talks
Balancing Risk And Recovery In Neurotrauma Care with Andrea Christmas and Tatum Michael
Nov 10, 2025
Episode 24
Heleen van Aswegen
We walk through the physiotherapy approach to traumatic brain injury in ICU, from neuroprotection and ICP thresholds to respiratory care, tracheostomy weaning, and safe early mobility. A real case shows how curiosity, teamwork, and measured risk move recovery forward. If this helped sharpen your neurotrauma instincts, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with the one strategy you’ll try this week. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com/2431934/episodes
Book: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy in Trauma: An Evidence-based Approach’ published by World Scientific: https://doi.org/10.1142/13509
