Central nervous system trauma.
Traumatic injury to the central nervous system causes immediate damage and sets in motion a complex series of pathophysiologic events that result in further neuronal injury. This secondary damage seems to be related to changes in blood flow and pressure on a systemic, regional, and microvascular level. Currently, there is evidence that these changes are, in part, mediated by endogenous opioids and arachidonic acid metabolites, namely thromboxane A2. Medical management is generally designed to intervene at one or more stages in this secondary cascade of events. Further research should lead us to better understanding of the mechanisms involved in trauma to the central nervous system and, subsequently, more specific and effective treatments.
D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*