Helicopter emergency medical services for adults with major trauma
Abstract Background Although helicopters are presently an integral part of trauma systems in most developed nations, previous reviews and studies to date have raised questions about which groups of traumatically injured people derive the greatest benefit. Objectives To determine if helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport, compared with ground emergency medical services (GEMS) transport, is […]
Non-pharmacological interventions for depression in adults and children with traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Following traumatic brain injury (TBI) there is an increased prevalence of depression compared to the general population. It is unknown whether non-pharmacological interventions for depression are effective for people with TBI. Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for depression in adults and children with TBI at reducing the diagnosis and severity of […]
Pharmacotherapy for chronic cognitive impairment in traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of chronic disability. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of disability in the under 40s, resulting in severe disability in some 150 to 200 million people per annum. In addition to mood and behavioural problems, cognition—particularly memory, attention and executive function—are commonly impaired by TBI. […]
Antifibrinolytic drugs for acute traumatic injury
Abstract Background Uncontrolled bleeding is an important cause of death in trauma victims. Antifibrinolytic treatment has been shown to reduce blood loss following surgery and may also be effective in reducing blood loss following trauma. Objectives To assess the effect of antifibrinolytic drugs in patients with acute traumatic injury. Search methods We ran the most […]
Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing meningitis in patients with basilar skull fractures
Abstract Background Basilar skull fractures predispose patients to meningitis because of the possible direct contact of bacteria in the paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx or middle ear with the central nervous system (CNS). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage has been associated with a greater risk of contracting meningitis. Antibiotics are often given prophylactically, although their role in preventing […]
Pharmacological treatments for preventing epilepsy following traumatic head injury
Abstract Background Head injury is a common event and can cause a spectrum of motor and cognition disabilities. A frequent complication is seizures. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) such as phenytoin are often used in clinical practice with the hopes of preventing post-traumatic epilepsy. Whether immediate medical intervention following head trauma with either AEDs or neuroprotective drugs […]
Non-pharmacological interventions for chronic pain in people with spinal cord injury
Abstract Background Chronic pain is frequent in persons living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Conventionally, the pain is treated pharmacologically, yet long-term pain medication is often refractory and associated with side effects. Non-pharmacological interventions are frequently advocated, although the benefit and harm profiles of these treatments are not well established, in part because of methodological […]
Pharmacological interventions for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Abstract Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder which, after a sufficient delay, may be diagnosed amongst individuals who respond with intense fear, helplessness or horror to traumatic events. There is some evidence that the use of pharmacological interventions immediately after exposure to trauma may reduce the risk of developing of PTSD. Objectives […]
Surgical approaches for cervical spine facet dislocations in adults
Abstract Background The choice of surgical approach for the management of subaxial cervical spine facet dislocations is a controversial subject amongst spine surgeons. Reasons for this include differences in the technical familiarity and experience of surgeons with the different surgical approaches, and variable interpretation of image studies regarding the existence of a traumatic intervertebral disc […]
Management of faecal incontinence and constipation in adults with central neurological diseases
Abstract Background People with central neurological disease or injury have a much higher risk of both faecal incontinence and constipation than the general population. There is often a fine line between the two symptoms, with any management intended to ameliorate one risking precipitating the other. Bowel problems are observed to be the cause of much […]