The Role of Neurosurgery in Global Health Head Trauma
Document Type
Book Chapter
ISBN
978-3-030-86656-3
Editor
Isabelle M. Germano
Publication (Name of Journal)
Neurosurgery and Global Health
Department
General Surgery (East Africa)
Publisher
Springer, Cham
City
New York
Abstract
Twenty-seven million people are estimated to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year. In this chapter, we first begin by considering the history of the diagnosis and treatment of TBI from trepanation in the Mesolithic period to seminal advances in the twentieth century such as CT scanning, ICP monitoring and the creation of the Glasgow Coma Score. Thereafter, we consider contemporary efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality due to TBI. Firstly, we review efforts to prevent TBI including helmet usage. We then consider the issues globally in the provision of adequate pre-hospital care, critical care, surgery and rehabilitation for this patient cohort. Throughout the chapter, we highlight specific issues faced in low-resource settings such as a lack of functional CT scanners and trained neurosurgeons. Moreover, we discuss innovative ways to provide high-quality care despite these challenges such as task sharing and the novel utilisation of existing technologies. Finally, we consider exciting new methodologies to improve care for these patients including precision medicine and systems science.
Recommended Citation
Clark, D.,
Cheserem, B.,
Bhagavatula, I. D.,
Figaji, A.,
Hutchinson, P.
(2022). The Role of Neurosurgery in Global Health Head Trauma. Neurosurgery and Global Health, 19-32.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/book_chapters/365