Current management of traumatic intracranial hypertension: a systematic approach

ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury [TBI] is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Arab countries in general, and in Saudi Arabia in particular. The efficacy and safety of most of the interventions used in the management of patients with TBI lack class I evidence and remain unproven. A search was established using a subject heading "head injury", "Traumatic brain injury" and combined headings "brain injury and Saudi Arabia" and "brain injury and middle east". The authors used the national library of medicine database to analyze these treatment options and the therapeutic goals of lowering intracranial pressure. This review describes the systematic approach and current management practices including surgical interventions and various treatment modalities for traumatic intracranial hypertension. The results provide recommendations for intensivists and emergency physicians in Arab countries managing head injured patients. Details of these advocated treatments can be found through the literature references