Monoaminergic agonists for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Although there have been considerable gains in understanding the cascade of events that lead to secondary injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI), efforts to translate this understanding into new therapeutic, so-called neuroprotective approaches, have so far proved disappointing. As an alternative, there is growing interest in approaches to enhance brain repair after injury. […]
Nutritional support for head-injured patients
Abstract Background Head injury increases the body’s metabolic responses, and therefore nutritional demands. Provision of an adequate supply of nutrients is associated with improved outcome. The best route for administering nutrition (parenterally (TPN) or enterally (EN)), and the best timing of administration (for example, early versus late) of nutrients needs to be established. Objectives To […]
Pharmacological management for agitation and aggression in people with acquired brain injuries
Abstract Background Of the many psychiatric symptoms that may result from brain injury, agitation and/or aggression are often the most troublesome. It is therefore important to evaluate the efficacy of psychotropic medication used in its management. Objectives To evaluate the effects of drugs for agitation and/or aggression following acquired brain injury (ABI). Search methods We […]
Helmets for preventing head and facial injuries in bicyclists
Abstract Background Each year, in the United States, approximately 900 persons die from injuries due to bicycle crashes and over 500,000 persons are treated in emergency departments. Head injury is by far the greatest risk posed to bicyclists, comprising one-third of emergency department visits, two-thirds of hospital admissions, and three-fourths of deaths. Facial injuries to […]
School-based driver education for the prevention of traffic crashes
Abstract Background In the UK, drivers aged 17 to 21 years make up 7% of licence holders but 13% of drivers involved in road traffic crashes resulting in injury. As in many countries, the UK government has proposed to tackle this problem with driver education programmes in schools and colleges. However, there is a concern […]
Aminosteroids for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of premature death and disability. Post-traumatic membrane lipid peroxidation has been proposed as one mechanism leading to secondary brain damage following head injury. Aminosteroids have been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation in laboratory animals and have the potential to improve outcome following head injury. Objectives To […]
Gangliosides for acute spinal cord injury
Abstract Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in loss of feeling and movement. The consequences can be devastating for the patient and his or her carers. Global estimates of the number of new cases annually range from 15 to 40 per million. Leading causes of acute SCI are road traffic injury, violence, and injuries sustained […]
Spinal injuries centres (SICs) for acute traumatic spinal cord injury
Abstract Background The majority of complications in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can occur in the first 24 hours and it has been suggested that spinal injury centres (SICs) may influence the pre-transfer care of people with SCI. The specialist SIC concept has been adopted in a number of high-income countries. However, even in such […]
Calcium channel blockers for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Acute traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and disability. Calcium channel blockers (calcium antagonists) have been used in an attempt to prevent cerebral vasospasm after injury, maintain blood flow to the brain, and so prevent further damage. Objectives To estimate the effects of calcium channel blockers in patients with acute […]
Post-licence driver education for the prevention of road traffic crashes
Abstract Background Worldwide, each year over a million people are killed and some ten million people are permanently disabled in road traffic crashes. Post-licence driver education is used by many as a strategy to reduce traffic crashes. However, the effectiveness of post-licence driver education has yet to be ascertained. Objectives To quantify the effectiveness of […]