ISSN:
1435-2451
Keywords:
Key words Polytrauma
;
Multiple trauma
;
Head injury
;
Secondary brain injury
;
Prognosis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is present in up to two-thirds of multiply injured patients. The degree of TBI influenced the mortality and morbidity of multiple trauma significantly. Results: Important prognostic predictors are: injury severity score (ISS); Glasgow coma score [(GCS), motor score]; pupil size and reactivity; coma grade and duration; age; morphological primary brain lesion; and pathophysiological changes leading to secondary brain damage. The time course of brain edema, raised intracranial pressure and, especially, pathophysiology of disturbed cerebral blood flow and metabolism characterizes early and late periods of ischemic vulnerability. Conclusion: These should be taken into consideration when planning operative procedures in multiple-trauma patients. Avoidance of secondary ischemic brain damage by reducing the number of systemic insults (hypovolemia, hypotension, hypoxia) will improve prognosis of critically ill polytraumatized patients with head injury.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004230050121
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