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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Non-pharmacological interventions for perceptual disorders following stroke and other adult-acquired, non-progressive brain injury
Abstract Background Stroke and other adult-acquired brain injury may impair perception leading to distress and increased dependence on others. Perceptual rehabilitation includes functional training, sensory stimulation, strategy training and task repetition. Objectives To examine the evidence for improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) six months post randomisation for active intervention versus placebo or no […]
Modification of the home environment for the reduction of injuries
Abstract Background Injury in the home is common, accounting for approximately a third of all injuries. The majority of injuries to children under five and people aged 75 and older occur at home. Multifactorial injury prevention interventions have been shown to reduce injuries in the home. However, few studies have focused specifically on the impact […]