Management of Brain Injury:

I. Treatment of Increased Intracranial Pressure:

Breathing support Draining of cerebrospinal fluid to lower pressure in the brain Medicines to decrease swelling Removal of part of the skull, especially in the first 2 days of a stroke that involves brain swelling

If a tumor, hemorrhage, or other problem has caused the increase in intracranial pressure, these problems will be treated.

II. Supportive measures: Ventilatory support Seizure prevention Fluid and electrolyte maintenance Nutritional support Management of pain and anxiety Intubation and mechanical ventilator (for coma patients)

Surgical Treatment:
Surgery is performed to remove a large hematoma or contusion that is significantly compressing the brain or raising the pressure within the skull. After surgery, these patients are usually observed and monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU). Medical equipment frequently used in the ICU includes: a Ventilator (also called a Respirator) is a machine that helps a person breathe. a Foley Catheter is used to collect and monitor a persons urine output. a Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube) is used to deliver medication and nutrients directly to a persons stomach. an EKG machine monitors a persons heart. a Pulse Oximeter is a small, clamp-like device placed on a persons finger, toe or earlobe. The Pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood stream. In many cases, removing the lesion before it enlarges and causes neurological damage may be the safest approach for the patient. If the brain is very swollen, some neurosurgeons may decide not to replace the bone until the swelling decreases, which may take up to several weeks. The neurosurgeon may elect to place an ICP monitor or other types of monitors if these were not already in place. The patient is then returned to the ICU for observation and additional care.