Elevation of the head during intensive care management in people with severe traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem and a fundamental cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The burden of TBI disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. Intracranial hypertension is the most frequent cause of death and disability in brain-injured people. Special interventions in the intensive care unit are required to […]
Interventions for managing skeletal muscle spasticity following traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Skeletal muscle spasticity is a major physical complication resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to muscle contracture, joint stiffness, reduced range of movement, broken skin and pain. Treatments for spasticity include a range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, often used in combination. Management of spasticity following TBI varies from other […]
Hypothermia for traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Hypothermia has been used in the treatment of brain injury for many years. Encouraging results from small trials and laboratory studies led to renewed interest in the area and some larger trials. Objectives To determine the effect of mild hypothermia for traumatic brain injury (TBI) on mortality, long‐term functional outcomes and complications. Search […]
Cognitive rehabilitation for adults with traumatic brain injury to improve occupational outcomes
Abstract Background Cognitive impairment in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) could affect multiple facets of their daily functioning. Cognitive rehabilitation brings about clinically significant improvement in certain cognitive skills. However, it is uncertain if these improved cognitive skills lead to betterments in other key aspects of daily living. We evaluated whether cognitive rehabilitation for […]
Progesterone for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, and the identification of effective, inexpensive and widely practicable treatments for brain injury is of great public health importance worldwide. Progesterone is a naturally produced hormone that has well‐defined pharmacokinetics, is widely available, inexpensive, and has steroidal, neuroactive and neurosteroidal actions […]
Technological aids for the rehabilitation of memory and executive functioning in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury
Abstract Background The use of technology in healthcare settings is on the increase and may represent a cost-effective means of delivering rehabilitation. Reductions in treatment time, and delivery in the home, are also thought to be benefits of this approach. Children and adolescents with brain injury often experience deficits in memory and executive functioning that […]
Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for acquired brain injury in adults of working age
Abstract Background Evidence from systematic reviews demonstrates that multi-disciplinary rehabilitation is effective in the stroke population, in which older adults predominate. However, the evidence base for the effectiveness of rehabilitation following acquired brain injury (ABI) in younger adults has not been established, perhaps because this scenario presents different methodological challenges in research. Objectives To assess […]
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 […]
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 […]