EFFECT OF LOCAL MODERATE HYPOTHRMIA TO THE HEAD AND NECK ON CEREBRAL METABOLISM IN HEAD INJURED PATIENTS

Abstract

Head injuries continue to be a major health problem, not only in terms of their frequency, but also because of the fatalities and handicaps that result in the population they most often affect. Morbidity fi•om head injury is increasing and accounts for a substantial proportion of chronic disability in the community.

Closed head injuries result in \\•idespread abn01 mali ties in the brain anatomy, perfusion, metabolism and function. They are divided into primary or secondary head injuries. Primar)' injuries include; damage to the scalp, skull fracture, perforating and penetrating head wounds, focal brain lesions and diffuse axonal injury. Secondar)' injuries include; increased ICP, hypoxia, ischemia, hypotension, hyperglycemia, hyperthermia, free radical production and coagulopathy.