What is the primary cause of hypertension in late-stage TBI patients?

In late-stage traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, the primary cause of hypertension is increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Following a TBI, various factors can lead to swelling or bleeding in the brain, resulting in elevated pressure within the skull. This increased pressure can affect the autonomic nervous system and disrupt normal blood pressure regulation, often leading to hypertension.

When ICP rises, the body responds by attempting to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure, which can include physiological responses such as increasing blood pressure. Consequently, the body makes compensatory adjustments to ensure that blood continues flowing to the brain despite the higher pressure within the cranial cavity.

Factors such as dehydration, infection, and environmental exposure can influence a patient's overall condition or exacerbate existing issues, but they are not primary causes of hypertension in the context of late-stage TBI. Dehydration may lead to reduced blood volume, infection can cause systemic body responses, and environmental factors may contribute to overall stress or discomfort, but none directly lead to the consistent elevation of blood pressure seen with increased ICP.