Intensive Care Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Authors

Geoff R. Snyder, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Neurosurgery

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This article aims to present a clinical review of the most current treatment recommendations and guidelines for the intensive care management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method: A search of the literature was performed utilizing PubMed, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE. Search terms included intracranial pressure (ICP), seizure, sedation, TBI, severe TBI, ICU, critical care, ventriculostomy, treatment, and intervention. Articles published before 2016 were omitted.

Results: Multiple articles were found for this scholarly project, including meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and literature reviews. A total of 23 articles are included in this clinical review. Intensive care management of severe TBI is multifactorial and must be explicitly tailored to the patient and injury to ensure the optimal neurological outcome.

Conclusion: The management of severe TBI involves understanding the physiology of secondary injury and developing evidence-based treatment approaches to preventing their deleterious effects. The Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) transitioned from astatic recommendations to frequent periodic updates of guidelines. Healthcare providers in neurocritical care, neurosurgery, trauma, and surgical critical care should review current evidence-based literature to develop protocols to improve outcomes in their respective patient populations.

Keywords: “Severe TBI,” “ICU,” and “Treatment”

Recommended Citation

Snyder GR. Intensive Care Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(4).