title: Initial management of traumatic brain injury in the rural setting.
abstract: Healthcare workers in the rural setting face unique problems when dealing with head injured patients however the basic principle of medical management are the same in any situation. The key initial elements remain aggressive early resuscitation followed by a comprehensive assessment of conscious level and either early consultation or transfer to a neurosurgical facility. What has improved considerably over recent years is the understanding of the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury and as such some of the medical management strategies have changed. A basic understanding of some of these concepts is useful in the clinical setting and serves to emphasis the importance of effective early medical management. Thereafter consideration must be given to which patients require radiological investigations and possible discussion with or transfer to a neurosurgical facility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Honeybul
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Woods
keywords: Initial management; rural trauma; traumatic brain injury
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