TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 93. Head Injury and Intracranial Hypertension A1 - Moulton, Richard J. A1 - Pitts, Lawrence H. A2 - Hall, Jesse B. A2 - Schmidt, Gregory A. A2 - Wood, Lawrence D.H. Y1 - 2005 N1 - T2 - Principles of Critical Care, 3e AB - Secondary brain injury from hypoxia and ischemia should be prevented by appropriate airway ventilatory and fluid management in all comatose patients.In appropriately selected patients aggressive monitoring and treatment of intracranial pressure is warranted.Early identification and evacuation of operable intracranial hematomas can be life-saving.Change in the level of consciousness is one of the hallmarks of brain injury. Its recognition through careful history, physical examination, and close monitoring is therefore essential.Prophylaxis and aggressive treatment of seizures following head injury must be instituted.Maintenance of normal fluid and electrolyte balance and early provision of enteral nutrition is necessary.Risk of central nervous system infection is reduced by surgical débridement and restoration of dural integrity in cases of open cranial injury.Systemic sepsis often complicates recovery and should be diagnosed and treated aggressively. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2023/05/28 UR - accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=2297849 ER -