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[Head injury and disturbed pulmonary function (author's transl)]
Der Anaesthesist
|September 1, 1981
Summary
A neurogenic initiated disturbance of pulmonary function, including neurogenic pulmonary edema, can occur following head injuries. Increased intracranial pressure or hypoxia triggers sympathetic nervous system responses leading to hypoxemia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
Context:
- Neurogenic pulmonary edema is a rare but severe condition.
- It results from central nervous system insults like increased intracranial pressure or cerebral hypoxia.
Purpose:
- To review and confirm the occurrence of neurogenic-initiated pulmonary dysfunction.
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking central nervous system injury to pulmonary changes.
Summary:
- Head injury can initiate pulmonary dysfunction via the sympathetic nervous system.
- Key pulmonary changes include decreased compliance, increased right-to-left shunt, and ventilation-perfusion ratio disturbances.
- Hypoxemia severity correlates with head injury severity.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical link between neurological injury and respiratory compromise.
- Informs clinical management of patients with head trauma and potential pulmonary complications.