[Cerebral ischemia and neuroprotection from the viewpoint of the neurosurgeon]

Cerebral ischemia is a frequent and dangerous consequence of some cerebrovascular diseases. Ischaemia may be used also electively in the course of neurosurgery. Therefore new possible ways are sought how to reduce the danger of ischaemia or to prevent it. In the submitted paper some methods of neuroprotection are described and their potential or actual applicability in clinical neurosurgery are discussed. In addition to influencing the brain cell and pretentious methods in the sphere of molecular biology and genetics the induction of systemic hypertension supplemented alternatively by other methods such as hypothermia, the use of mannitol, haemodilution and hypervolaemia seem natural. A higher blood pressure helps to make leptomeningeal and cortical anastomoses patent and strengthens the collateral circulation from marginal zones of ischaemia, penumbra to the ischaemic centre and to prevent thus cerebral infarction.