Overlapping Physiologic Signs of Sepsis and Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity After Traumatic Brain Injury: Exploring A Clinical Conundrum.

Background: Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) occurs in a subset of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is associated with worse outcomes. Sepsis is also associated with worse outcomes after TBI and shares several physiologic features with PSH, potentially creating diagnostic confusion and suboptimal management of each. This is the first study to directly investigate the interaction between PSH and infection using robust diagnostic criteria.

Neurotrauma Update.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with older adults having the highest rate of hospitalizations and deaths. Management in the acute phase is focused on preventing secondary neurologic injury from hypoxia, hypocapnia, hypotension, and elevated intracranial pressure. Recent studies on tranexamic acid and continuous hypertonic saline infusion have not found any difference in neurologic outcomes.

Impact of Global Health Electives on Neurology Trainees.

We surveyed neurologists who completed a global health experience as residents or fellows to assess the impact of the experience. A total of 100% (n = 72) would recommend the experience to others. Most reported improved clinical (86%) and examination (82%) skills.