Neuroprotection: fact or fantasy?

Several strategies have been proposed for protecting the brain from ischaemic and hypoxic insults, based on an understanding of the pathophysiological processes involved. They include hypervolaemic haemodilution, anaesthesia, hypothermia, normoglycaemia, calcium channel blockers, adenosine modulators, NMDA- and AMPA-receptor antagonisms and lazeroids. Some have only been shown to be effective in animals and some have clinical relevance. Only hypothermia is protective in a variety of pathological states.