Resuscitation of patients with central nervous system trauma

The care patients with spinal cord or head injury receive in the acute phase of their injury is critical to outcome. The basics of trauma care are of primary importance to the patient with central nervous system trauma. In the SCI patient, extreme care must be used in establishing an airway. The focus in the head-injured patient is to provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation sufficient to cause hypocarbia. Proper immobilization of the neck is a priority concomitant to establishing an airway in the SCI patient, while control of ICP is a challenge in the head-injured patient. Paramedics, nurses, and physicians who are aware of these important factors in caring for the neurotrauma patient will ensure the patient every chance of functional recovery.