Neurotrauma Update

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2023 Feb;41(1):19-33. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2022.09.014.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with older adults having the highest rate of hospitalizations and deaths. Management in the acute phase is focused on preventing secondary neurologic injury from hypoxia, hypocapnia, hypotension, and elevated intracranial pressure. Recent studies on tranexamic acid and continuous hypertonic saline infusion have not found any difference in neurologic outcomes. Care must be taken in prognosticating TBI outcomes, as recovery of consciousness and orientation has been observed up to 12 months after injury.

Keywords: Antifibrinolytic; Coagulopathy; Craniectomy; Hyperosmolar therapy; Hypothermia; Intracranial pressure; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries*
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / complications
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hypertension* / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Hypertension* / therapy
  • Saline Solution, Hypertonic / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Saline Solution, Hypertonic