Early management of severe traumatic brain injury

Lancet. 2012 Sep 22;380(9847):1088-98. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60864-2.

Abstract

Severe traumatic brain injury remains a major health-care problem worldwide. Although major progress has been made in understanding of the pathophysiology of this injury, this has not yet led to substantial improvements in outcome. In this report, we address present knowledge and its limitations, research innovations, and clinical implications. Improved outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injury could result from progress in pharmacological and other treatments, neural repair and regeneration, optimisation of surgical indications and techniques, and combination and individually targeted treatments. Expanded classification of traumatic brain injury and innovations in research design will underpin these advances. We are optimistic that further gains in outcome for patients with severe traumatic brain injury will be achieved in the next decade.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / classification
  • Brain Injuries / therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Agents / therapeutic use
  • Critical Care / methods
  • Decompressive Craniectomy / methods
  • Early Medical Intervention / methods*
  • Emergency Medical Services / methods
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
  • Prognosis
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Agents