Interventions to reduce body temperature to 35 ⁰C to 37 ⁰C in adults and children with traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability, with an estimated 5.5 million people experiencing severe TBI worldwide every year. Observational clinical studies of people with TBI suggest an association between raised body temperature and unfavourable outcome, although this relationship is inconsistent. Additionally, preclinical models suggest that reducing temperature […]
Hypertonic saline versus other intracranial pressure–lowering agents for people with acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Increased intracranial pressure has been shown to be strongly associated with poor neurological outcomes and mortality for patients with acute traumatic brain injury. Currently, most efforts to treat these injuries focus on controlling the intracranial pressure. Hypertonic saline is a hyperosmolar therapy that is used in traumatic brain injury to reduce intracranial pressure. […]
Couple and family therapies for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Abstract Background Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to an anxiety or trauma‐ and stressor‐related disorder that is linked to personal or vicarious exposure to traumatic events. PTSD is associated with a range of adverse individual outcomes (e.g. poor health, suicidality) and significant interpersonal problems which include difficulties in intimate and family relationships. A range of […]
Individual recovery expectations and prognosis of outcomes in non‐specific low back pain: prognostic factor review
Abstract Background Low back pain is costly and disabling. Prognostic factor evidence can help healthcare providers and patients understand likely prognosis, inform the development of prediction models to identify subgroups, and may inform new treatment strategies. Recent studies have suggested that people who have poor expectations for recovery experience more back pain disability, but study […]
Indomethacin for intracranial hypertension secondary to severe traumatic brain injury in adults
Abstract Background Among people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury, increased intracranial pressure continues to be a major cause of early death; it is estimated that about 11 people per 100 with traumatic brain injury die. Indomethacin (also known as indometacin) is a powerful cerebral vasoconstrictor that can reduce intracranial pressure and, ultimately, restore […]
Present-centered therapy (PCT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults
Abstract Background Present‐centered therapy (PCT) is a non‐trauma, manualized psychotherapy for adults with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PCT was originally designed as a treatment comparator in trials evaluating the effectiveness of trauma‐focused cognitive‐behavioral therapy (TF‐CBT). Recent trials have indicated that PCT may be an effective treatment option for PTSD and that patients may drop out […]
Early enteral nutrition (within 48 hours) versus delayed enteral nutrition (after 48 hours) with or without supplemental parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults
Abstract Background Early enteral nutrition support (within 48 hours of admission or injury) is frequently recommended for the management of patients in intensive care units (ICU). Early enteral nutrition is recommended in many clinical practice guidelines, although there appears to be a lack of evidence for its use and benefit. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy […]
Decompressive craniectomy for the treatment of high intracranial pressure in closed traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background High intracranial pressure (ICP) is the most frequent cause of death and disability after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is usually treated with general maneuvers (normothermia, sedation, etc.) and a set of first‐line therapeutic measures (moderate hypocapnia, mannitol, etc.). When these measures fail, second‐line therapies are initiated, which include: barbiturates, hyperventilation, moderate hypothermia, […]
Interventions for eye movement disorders due to acquired brain injury
Abstract Background Acquired brain injury can cause eye movement disorders which may include: strabismus, gaze deficits and nystagmus, causing visual symptoms of double, blurred or ‘juddery’ vision and reading difficulties. A wide range of interventions exist that have potential to alleviate or ameliorate these symptoms. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of these […]
Fitness training for cardiorespiratory conditioning after traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (cardiorespiratory deconditioning) is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fitness training may be implemented to address this impairment. Objectives The primary objective of this updated review was to evaluate whether fitness training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in people who have sustained a TBI. The secondary objectives were to evaluate […]