[Pathophysiological aspects of the brain stem in closed head injuries (author's transl)]

In a case of severe head injury, there is a disturbance of the functional cycle between hypothalamus/mesencephalon and the cortex cerebri. In this article, the causes and the pathophysiological, functional disturbances of primary and secondary unconsciousness will be discussed. In a case of a posttraumatic intracranial hypertension, the following causes are to be considered: cerebral oedema, intracerebral haematomas and the so-called pneumatocephalus: the collection of air in the ventricle system when open head injuries of the base of the skull occur. The midbrain syndrome which is caused by the compression of the midbrain is characterized by the disturbed reaction of the pupils, convulsive seizures and vegetative dysregulation of respiration, circulation and temperature. When the above-mentioned syndrome persists, it can develop into bulbar syndrome. This is recognized through a severe functional disturbance, which can lead to central brain if the cause of the rise of intracranial pressure is not overcome within one hour.