Cerebral perfusion and blood flow in neurotrauma

Post-traumatic cerebral ischemia is associated with a poor prognosis. Optim ization of cerebral perfusion and blood flow thus plays a key role in conte mporary head injury management However, understanding of the pathophysiolog y of severe head injury is required for optimal patient management. This ar ticle explains the relationships between cerebral blood flow and metabolism and summarizes the current understanding of how these parameters can be he lpful in the treatment of patients with severe head injuries.