Neurochemical mechanisms in brain injury and treatment: a review.
This article reviews cellular energy transformation processes and neurochemical events that take place at the time of brain injury and shortly thereafter emphasizing hypoxia-ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, and traumatic brain injury. New interpretations of established concepts, such as diffuse axonal injury, are discussed; specific events, such as free radical production, excess production of excitatory amino acids, and disruption of calcium homeostasis, are reviewed. Neurochemically-based interventions are also presented: calcium channel blockers, excitatory amino acid antagonists, free radical scavengers, and hypothermia treatment. Concluding remarks focus on the role of clinical neuropsychologists in validation of treatment interventions.
Novack
T A
TA
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35233-7330, USA.
Dillon
M C
MC
Jackson
W T
WT
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans