Abstract
The use of hyperventilation for the treatment of severe head injuries has been the standard of care for more than two decades in the prehospital, emergency department and critical care settings. Controversy has surrounded its use, even when advocates recommended use for all unconscious, head-injured patients. Autoregulation, cerebral acidosis control, reduction of elevated intracranial pressure and the "steal phenomenon" were thought to be beneficial effects of hyperventilation therapy. Current researchers and developments in technology, however, have provided controversial information which suggests that hyperventilation therapy can be harmful, warranting the need for careful monitoring and selective treatment. This information calls into question the use of unmonitored hyperventilation therapy in the prehospital and early hospital settings.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
