[Primary care and transportation of patients with neural trauma]

It is well-known that it is difficult for the inexperienced doctor to estimate the need for treatment regarding patients with acute brain trauma. Brain ischaemia developing after a brain trauma (secondary cerebral ischaemia) is known to severely worsen the prognosis of the patient. This article gives a review of the most important pathophysiological changes occurring during the acute phase of severe brain trauma. The principles of prevention and management of cerebral ischaemia after brain trauma and during transportation of the patient are discussed.