ISSN:
1432-1238
Keywords:
Head injury
;
Sympathetic nervous system
;
Catecholamines
;
Adrenergic beta receptor blockers
;
Isoquinolines (debrisoquine)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The activity of the sympathetic nervous system during the course of severe closed head injury has been evaluated in 15 patients by measuring plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine. With the onset of the transition stage from midbrain syndrome to the apallic syndrome the plasma levels mainly of norepinephrine started to increase and remained high during the further course of the disease. During the remission from the apallic syndrome the elevated norepinephrine levels started to decline. The data indicate that a longlasting overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is a characteristic feature in the course of severe head injury. As a rational therapy to protect the peripheral tissues against the consequences of a longlasting sympathetic overactivity we suggest the use of β-adrenergic blocking agents and adrenergic neuron blocking drugs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01757299
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