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Brain temperature exceeds systemic temperature in head-injured patients
C S Rumana1, S P Gopinath, M Uzura
1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Critical Care Medicine
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Brain temperature is typically higher than core body temperature in head-injured patients. Jugular bulb temperature is not a reliable indicator of brain temperature, highlighting the need for direct brain temperature monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Critical Care Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial in managing severe head injuries.
- Core body temperature may not reflect true brain temperature, impacting treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare brain, jugular bulb, and core body temperatures in patients with severe head injuries.
- To assess the reliability of jugular bulb temperature as a surrogate for brain temperature.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study in a neurosurgical intensive care unit.
- Measured brain, core body, and jugular bulb temperatures in 30 head-injured patients.
- Analyzed temperature differences in relation to cerebral perfusion pressure and barbiturate coma treatment.
Main Results:
- Brain temperature averaged 2.0°F (1.1°C) higher than core body temperature.
- Jugular vein and core body temperatures were similar, indicating jugular temperature reflects core, not brain, temperature.
- Temperature differences increased with decreased cerebral perfusion pressure and decreased with barbiturate coma.
Conclusions:
- Direct brain temperature measurement is safe and feasible in head-injured patients.
- Brain temperatures are often elevated compared to core and jugular bulb temperatures.
- Monitoring brain temperature is important for managing fever in severe head injuries.