Severe traumatic brain injury in adults: a review of critical care management

Abstract

This second of a two-part review on traumatic brain injury (TBI) describes management for adult patients with a severe TBI (post-resuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8) who require critical care based on evidence and recommendations. Evidence-based, standardised practice aims to limit secondary injury in patients with TBI. Critical care management is based on maintaining optimal physiology to minimise secondary injury in the early acute phase. The aim is to save lives and improve the quality of outcome for survivors.