The Lund concept for severe traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Severe traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment strategies in management of such injuries are directed to the prevention of secondary brain ischaemia, as a consequence of disturbed post-traumatic cerebral blood flow. They are usually concerned with avoiding high intracranial pressure (ICP) or adequate cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). […]
Mannitol for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Mannitol is sometimes effective in reversing acute brain swelling, but its effectiveness in the ongoing management of severe head injury remains unclear. There is evidence that, in prolonged dosage, mannitol may pass from the blood into the brain, where it might cause increased intracranial pressure. Objectives To assess the effects of different mannitol […]
Respiratory muscle training for cervical spinal cord injury
Abstract Background Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) severely comprises respiratory function due to paralysis and impairment of the respiratory muscles. Various types of respiratory muscle training (RMT) to improve respiratory function for people with cervical SCI have been described in the literature. A systematic review of this literature is needed to determine the effectiveness of […]
Cognitive rehabilitation for executive dysfunction in adults with stroke or other adult non-progressive acquired brain damage
Abstract Background Executive functions are the controlling mechanisms of the brain and include the processes of planning, initiation, organisation, inhibition, problem solving, self monitoring and error correction. They are essential for goal-oriented behaviour and responding to new and novel situations. A high number of people with acquired brain injury, including around 75% of stroke survivors, […]
Acupuncture for acute management and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be life threatening depending on the severity of the insult to the brain. It can also cause a range of debilitating sequelae which require cognitive, motor, communication, emotional, or behavioral rehabilitation of varying intensity and duration. A number of studies conducted and published in China have suggested that […]
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the adjunctive treatment of traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury is a common health problem with significant effect on quality of life. Each year in the USA approximately 0.56% of the population suffer a head injury, with a case fatality rate of about 40% for severe injuries. These account for a high proportion of deaths in young adults. In the […]
Barbiturates for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is an important complication of severe brain injury, and is associated with high mortality. Barbiturates are believed to reduce ICP by suppressing cerebral metabolism, thus reducing cerebral metabolic demands and cerebral blood volume. However, barbiturates also reduce blood pressure and may, therefore, adversely effect cerebral perfusion pressure. Objectives To […]
Distal aortic perfusion during thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair for prevention of paraplegia
Abstract Background During thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery, decreased spinal cord perfusion can result in neurological deficits such as paraplegia and paraparesis. Distal aortic perfusion, alone or in combination with other adjuncts, may counter the decrease in spinal cord perfusion and hence reduce the risk of spinal cord injury. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of […]
Steroids for acute spinal cord injury
Abstract Background Acute spinal cord injury is a devastating condition typically affecting young people, mostly males. Steroid treatment in the early hours after the injury is aimed at reducing the extent of permanent paralysis during the rest of the patient’s life. Objectives To review randomized trials of steroids for human acute spinal cord injury. Search […]
Non-legislative interventions for the promotion of cycle helmet wearing by children
Abstract Background Helmets reduce bicycle-related head injuries, particularly in single vehicle crashes and those where the head strikes the ground. We aimed to identify non-legislative interventions for promoting helmet use among children, so future interventions can be designed on a firm evidence base. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of non-legislative interventions in increasing helmet use […]