THE ROLE OF THE COMPLEMENT-SYSTEM IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

A traumatic impact to the brain induces an intracranial inflammatory r esponse, which consequently leads to the development of brain edema an d delayed neuronal death. Evidence from experimental, clinical, and in vitro studies highlight an important role for the complement system i n contributing to inflammation within the injured brain. The present r eview summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms of comple ment-mediated secondary brain injury after head trauma. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.