Articles: brain-injuries.
-
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor has been shown to be neuroprotective in models of excitotoxicity, axotomy and cerebral ischemia. The present study evaluated the therapeutic potential of brain-derived neurotrophic factor following traumatic brain injury in the rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N=99) were anesthetized and subjected to lateral fluid percussion brain injury of moderate severity (2.4-2.8 atm) or sham injury. ⋯ All of the above outcome measures demonstrated significant deleterious effects of brain injury (P<0.05 compared to sham). However, post-traumatic brain-derived neurotrophic factor infusion did not significantly affect neuromotor function, learning, memory or neuronal loss in the hippocampus, cortex or thalamus when compared to vehicle infusion in brain-injured animals, regardless of the infusion site or infusion dose (P>0.05 for each). In contrast to previous studies of axotomy, ischemia and excitotoxicity, our data indicate that brain-derived neurotrophic factor is not protective against behavioral or histological deficits caused by experimental traumatic brain injury using the delayed, post-traumatic infusion protocol examined in these studies.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jan 2000
Snapshot view of emergency neurosurgical head injury care in Great Britain and Ireland.
To study the availability of neurosurgical intensive care for the traumatically brain injured in all 36 neurosurgical centres in the United Kingdom and Ireland receiving head injuries, the response times to referral, and the advice given to the referring hospitals. ⋯ There is a severe shortage of available emergency neurosurgical beds especially in the south east of England. The lack of immediately available neurosurgical intensive care beds results in delays of transfer that could adversely affect the outcome of surgery for traumatic intracranial haematoma. Advice given to the referring units by the receiving doctors is very variable.
-
Comparative Study
Comparative mortality of adults with traumatic brain injury in California, 1988--97.
We studied mortality rates of people with traumatic brain injury using the extensive California Department of Developmental Services database. The data provide mortality rates by age, gender, severity, cause, and associated conditions on 2629 subjects older than 15 years during 1988--97. Increased mortality was observed, particularly among patients with diminished mobility.
-
To determine the frequency and nature of post-TBI personality disorders (PDs) in a community-based sample of individuals with TBI. ⋯ These findings argue against a specific TBI personality syndrome, but rather a diversity of personality disorders reflective of the persistent challenges and compensatory coping strategies developed by individuals post-TBI. Prospective need for clinical assessment, pro-active education and focused treatment approaches are discussed.