Traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations of minor, moderate, and severe TBI. Controversial topics, such as hypertonic saline for increased intracranial pressure, prehospital intubation of patients who have experienced TBI, and the use of recombinant factor VIIa, are addressed.
Heegaard
William
W
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, 701 Park Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA. emdoc@yahoo.com
Biros
Michelle
M
D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D020198:Intracranial Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices