THE INTENSIVE-CARE OF SEVERE HEAD-INJURY - A SURVEY OF NON-NEUROSURGICAL CENTERS IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM

Few data exist regarding the management of severe head injury in non-n eurosurgical centres within the UK. We aimed to discover the number of intensive care units admitting head injury patients, the number of pa tients admitted annually, and the monitoring and treatment methods fol lowed. Questionnaires were sent to the senior nurse and consultant in 263 intensive care units within non-neurosurgical hospitals. The respo nse rate was 78.8%, with at least one response received from 93.2% of hospitals. The severely head injured were routinely admitted in 56.7% of units. Approximately 2100 patients are admitted annually, a mean of 15 per unit. Intracranial pressure monitoring is routine in only 9% o f units and 7% are without 24-h facilities for CT, a cause for concern . More encouragingly, 63% of hospitals have access to rehabilitation f acilities. Distribution of guidelines to all intensive care units part icipating in the care of head injury may improve management and outcom e.