Current trends in the management of head injury

The importance of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) optimization has been recognized in the neurosurgical community in the United States as part of the recently published Guidelines for Management of Severe Head Injury. Although further basic and clinical research is needed before a CPP-directed head injury management standard of care is formulated, optimization of CPP is practical with present personnel and equipment resources in many emergency departments. Emergency Department physicians should be familiar with CPP management principles to facilitate interactions with neurosurgical colleagues and improve patient outcomes.