Management of closed head injury

Abstract

Closed head injury (CHI) remains a devastating problem throughout the world, disproportionately affecting young people. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with more than 50,000 deaths in the United States annually.1 Each year, an estimated 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI. As a result of these injuries, 230,000 people are hospitalized and survive, and an estimated 80,000-90,000 people experience the onset of long-term disability.2 Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death among people younger than 40 years of age.3 While the fate of the injured is often decided at the moment of impact, timely medical intervention can frequently prevent further secondary injury and improve outcome. This chapter will focus on the medical and surgical management of patients with severe head injury, with an emphasis on the role of the critical care team. © 2010 Springer-Verlag US.