Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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The risk-benefit balance of antithrombotic therapy administration for blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) patients with concomitant injuries at high risk for bleeding is an ongoing therapeutic conundrum for trauma clinicians. We performed a systematic review to assess the reported efficacy and safety of treatment in this population with respect to prevention of ischemic stroke and risk of hemorrhagic complications. ⋯ In BCVI patients with concomitant injuries at high risk for bleeding, antithrombotic use reduces the risk of ischemic strokes with a low reported risk of serious hemorrhagic complications.