title: Head and spinal cord injury.
abstract: Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries remain the leading cause of death and disability for individuals under 50 years of age. This article describes common causes of primary and secondary central nervous system injuries. Particular emphasis is placed on the initial evaluation of trauma patients, detection of head and spinal cord injuries, and critical care of these patients. Definitive management of central nervous system injuries and prognosis and long-term management issues are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Brain Trauma Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Marion
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003422:Critical Care; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011379:Prognosis; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy