Intensive care management of traumatic brain injury: How can mnemonics help?

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered to be a "silent global epidemic" and is the leading cause of death in young males in developed countries, major cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality worldwide. The classification of TBI severity was performed using the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) into mild (GCS = 15-13), moderate (GCS = 12-9), and severe (GCS = 8-3). Despite developments in modern intensive care, improvements in resuscitation and vital organ support, the management of critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury presents a challenge to all members of the critical care team. Since severe head injury is often associated with poor functional outcomes due to secondary brain insults, the benefits of intensive treatment and care may not become apparent until months or years later during rehabilitation after injury. Due to the complexity and specificity of TBI, implementation of an easy-to-remember mnemonic can significantly help anesthesiologists and clinicians in conducting intensive therapy. Mnemonic GOST CAP was implementing to help with treatment of patients with primary craniocerebral trauma and prevention of secondary brain injury. GOST CAP acronym emphasizes the significance of glycemic control in neurotrauma, maintaining haemoglobin levels, oxygen support, sodium concentration, temperature maintenance, pain and agitation control, arterial blood pressure control in maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure, and partial pressure of CO2 control. The aim of this paper is to display acronyms that address the most important steps in treating patients with TBI.