Evidence-Based Review of the Use of Steroids in Neurotrauma

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Abstract

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of premature death and disability in the world. Post-traumatic inflammation and edema is poorly tolerated by the central nervous system and exacerbates neurologic deterioration. Local release of cytotoxic inflammatory mediations results in secondary injury and worsening clinical outcomes. To reduce post-traumatic inflammation, steroids have been investigated and used as a preventative measure. This chapter reviews the most up-to-date literature on steroid use for the treatment of traumatic brain and spinal cord injury as well as traumatic cranial neuropathies and make recommendations on its role in modern clinical practice.

Keywords

Steroids Spinal cord injury Traumatic brain injury Cranial nerve injury 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of NeurosurgeryUW Hospital and ClinicsMadisonUSA

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