General approach to Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Objective: To discuss Traumatic Brain Injury, its main characteristics and its relationship with human health. Literature Review: In Brazil, epidemiological studies have shown that the main mechanisms are traffic accidents and falls. Among the victims, the highest frequency in males and young adults, the Glasgow Coma Scale represents the tool currently used to classify TBI, being an objective and effective method, and can be used in conjunction with Computed Tomography without contrast. Another way of classifying is to divide the trauma mechanism, which may be blunt or penetrating TBI. The most serious signs are those suggestive of increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP), which can cause mental health syndromes, generating neuropsychological impairment. Erythropoietin has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality, but not in reducing damage resulting from TBI. Despite this, there is still the possibility of performing a decompressive craniotomy. Final considerations: Although advances have been made in terms of treatment and mortality reduction due to progress in understanding the mechanism of injury and improving hospital care, there is still a lack of scientific evidence regarding the various therapeutic approaches used, which calls for more study to clarify such gaps.