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The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury has a devastating effect on millions worldwide each year. As yet, there are no methods which have been proven to improve recovery from the trauma. Current treatment protocols revolve around reducing secondary insult, such as hypoxia, hypotension, and cerebral edema, which raises intracranial pressure. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of three responses to traumatic brain injury. Two of them, the administration of hypertonic saline and the administration of progesterone, are pharmacologic, while the third, the performance of a decompressive craniectomy, is surgically invasive. A number of original studies have been analyzed to develop an understanding of the topic. It was concluded that hypertonic saline should only be given to patients in whom surgery is indicated, while progesterone should be a widespread acute response. For relatively young patients suffering from uncontrollable intracranial pressure, decompressive craniectomy should be considered as an immediate response as well.

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