Post-traumatic hyperthermia in acute brain injury rehabilitation.
Fever frequently presents during recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Elevated body temperature may result from ensuing infection, thrombophlebitis, drug reaction, or a defect in the central thermoregulatory system such as seen in post-traumatic hyperthermia (PTH). Typically, the diagnosis of PTH follows only after thorough investigation. Literature supports the theory that the febrile TBI patient, lacking a documented source, has central hyperthermia. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of PTH in the acute rehabilitation setting. We reviewed a consecutive series of 84 TBI patients participating in a rehabilitation programme. Four per cent of the patients in this study met our criteria for PTH. We describe a fever protocol that should aid the physician in diagnosis and treatment of the febrile TBI patient. Proposed mechanisms involved in thermoregulation are discussed.
Childers
M K
MK
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, MO 65212.
Rupright
J
J
Smith
D W
DW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005335:Fever of Unknown Origin / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers