🕒 Delayed

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

• 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.

• May indicate evolving pathology (e.g., hematoma expansion, edema).
• Often requires heightened surveillance and repeat imaging.
• Associated with increased morbidity if not anticipated.

• Delayed intracranial hemorrhage in anticoagulated patients after mild TBI.
• Delayed ischemic deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Delayed hydrocephalus after tumor resection or meningitis.

• 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).