Head injury

Abstract

In this article we summarize the current knowledge about the management of head trauma. We emphasize the rationale for pathophysiology-oriented treatmet of post-traumatic intracranial hypertension, and the pathophysiology of head trauma, underlying the importance of secondary and tertiary mechanisms in the pathogenesis of neuronal damage. We show the importance of a correct classification of head trauma cases by means of the Glasgow Coma Scale and the computerized tomographic findings according to the Traumatic Coma Data Bank guidelines, in order to allow comparison of results and standardize therapies.