====== 🕒 Delayed ======

**Delayed** refers to any **clinical event, diagnosis, complication, or intervention that occurs later than expected** based on typical timelines, protocols, or physiological responses.

===== 📌 Clinical Usage =====
  * **[[Delayed bleeding]]**: hemorrhage that develops hours or days after trauma or surgery.
  * **Delayed awakening**: failure to regain consciousness in the expected postoperative or post-ictal window.
  * **Delayed diagnosis**: identification of a condition after a clinically significant or avoidable time lapse.

===== ⚠️ Why It Matters =====
  * May indicate evolving pathology (e.g., hematoma expansion, edema).
  * Often requires **heightened surveillance** and **repeat imaging**.
  * Associated with **increased morbidity** if not anticipated.

===== 🧠 Common Examples in Neurosurgery =====
  * Delayed intracranial hemorrhage in anticoagulated patients after mild TBI.
  * Delayed ischemic deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
  * Delayed hydrocephalus after tumor resection or meningitis.

===== ✅ Best Practice =====
  * Anticipate based on risk factors (age, anticoagulation, comorbidities).
  * Include in discharge instructions and follow-up plans.
  * Use structured observation protocols (e.g., 6–24h CT control in TBI).