Dexmedetomidine in Modern Neuroanesthesia Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of dexmedetomidine in various procedures in clinical neurosciences. It also gives an overview of the various neurosurgical procedures where dexmedetomidine has been used perioperatively. Dexmedetomidine possesses many properties that are advantageous for neurosurgical patient including its neuroprotective effect. Its role in the cerebral vasospasm has recently become an area of interest for the researchers. There are number of animal as well as human studies where authors observed an improved neurological outcome following administration of dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine is frequently used in various neurosurgical procedures as adjuvant to anesthetics and also for procedural sedation in neuroradiology suite. Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, off label use of dexmedetomidine in children is not uncommon. Dexmedetomidine, as an anesthetic adjuvant and as a sedative in neurosurgical patients is commonly practiced and accepted worldwide. Its potential neuroprotective effects and emerging role in cerebral vasospasm merit further investigation for wider clinical application.