Citation

Neal CJ, Bell RS, Carmichael JJ, Dubose JJ, Grabo DJ, Oh JS, Remick KN, Bailey JA, Stockinger ZT. Mil. Med. 2018; 183(Suppl 2): 73-77.

Affiliation

Joint Trauma System, 3698 Chambers Pass, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.1093/milmed/usy083

PMID

30189063

Abstract

A catastrophic brain injury is defined as any brain injury that is expected to result in permanent loss of all brain function above the brain stem level. These clinical recommendations will help stabilize the patient so that they may be safely evacuated from theater. In addition to cardiovascular and hemodynamic goals, special attention must be paid to their endocrine dysfunction and its treatment-specifically steroid, insulin and thyroxin (t4) replacement while evaluating for and treating diabetes insipidus. Determining the futility of care coupled with resource management must also be made at each echelon. Logistical coordination and communication is paramount to expedite these patients to higher levels of care so that there is an increased probability of reuniting them with their family.

Language: en