Head trauma: treatment and diagnostic aids

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury occurs frequently in dogs and cats. The primary lesion occurs at the time of injury and causes direct, irreversible damage to the brain parenchyma and vasculature. Secondary lesions occur in the minutes following the trauma as a result of a combination of physical and biochemical changes that lead to intracranial hypertension. It is this secondary injury that veterinarians are able to reduce. This article outlines the treatment options for patients with traumatic brain injury. There remains controversy over what constitutes best practice. This article addresses the main points regarding the clinical therapeutic options currently available.