Recognizing Brain Injury

Book excerpt: This book is the first of 4 books on the core principles of acute neurology. This book is a primer -and a great deal more-on how to clinically recognize acute brain injury and to treat its consequences. Acute brain injury -often changes the dynamics of cerebral blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid mechanics and eventually intracranial pressure. And furthermore, acute brain and spine injury impacts on heart function, blood pressure control, breathing regulation and even gastric and bladder function. It is necessary to not only understand these fundamentals but also how certain measures could influence or correct these manifestations. Major concepts are illustrated to facilitate understanding. Each chapter concludes with a section that explains its relevance to clinical practice.The book truly combines basic neuroscience with practical know- how in an easy to read prose useful for both the novice and expert.