Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: demographic and clinical study of 750 patients from the European brain injury consortium survey of head injuries.

Objective: Previous reports identified the presence of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) on admission computed tomographic (CT) scans as an independent prognostic factor in worsening outcomes. The mechanism underlying the link between tSAH and prognosis has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between CT evidence of tSAH and outcomes after moderate or severe head injuries.

Current recommendations for neurotrauma.

Diagnostic and monitoring procedures for patients with head injury are aimed at early detection of mass lesions and secondary insults. Our therapeutic approach is based on our understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause secondary brain damage, and includes evacuation of mass lesions and prevention of secondary insults. Basic research has greatly increased our knowledge of these pathophysiologic mechanisms and has prompted the development of many neuroprotective agents, targeted to selected mechanisms.