Articles: brain-injuries.
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Arch Neurol Chicago · Jul 2002
Meta AnalysisThe role of hypothermia in the management of severe brain injury: a meta-analysis.
Hypothermia is utilized in the management of severe traumatic brain injury despite the lack of unequivocal evidence supporting its use. Because of its widespread use, the effects of hypothermia are a concern. ⋯ This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests that hypothermia is not beneficial in the management of severe head injury. However, because hypothermia continues to be used to treat these injuries, additional studies are justified and urgently needed.
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Critical care medicine · Jan 2001
Meta AnalysisReview of the use of somatosensory evoked potentials in the prediction of outcome after severe brain injury.
Review the predictive powers of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in severe brain injury. ⋯ SEPs are powerful predictors of outcome, particularly poor outcome, if patients with focal lesions, subdural effusions, and those who have had recent decompressive craniotomies are excluded.
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The scientific evidence that bicycle helmets protect against head, brain and facial injuries has been well established by 5 well designed case-control studies. Additional evidence of helmet effectiveness has been provided from time series studies in Australia and the US. Bicycle helmets of all types that meet various national and international standards provide substantial protection for cyclists of all ages who are involved in a bicycle crash. ⋯ Helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by 85%, brain injury by 88% and severe brain injury by at least 75%. Helmets should be worn by all riders whether the cyclist is a recreational rider or a serious competitor engaged in training or race competition. The International Cycling Federation (ICF) should make the use of helmets compulsory in all sanctioned races.
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Meta Analysis
Corticosteroids in acute traumatic brain injury: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
To quantify the effectiveness and safety of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute traumatic brain injury. ⋯ This systematic review of randomised controlled trials of corticosteroids in acute traumatic brain injury shows that there remains considerable uncertainty over their effects. Neither moderate benefits nor moderate harmful effects can be excluded. The widely practicable nature of the drugs and the importance of the health problem suggest that large simple trials are feasible and worth while to establish whether there are any benefits from use of corticosteroids in this setting.