Brain Damage in Cases Showing Traumatic Prolonged Coma

DOI Web Site

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 外傷性遷延昏睡における脳損傷
  • ガイショウセイ センエン コンスイ ニ オケル ノウ ソンショウ

Search this article

Abstract

Seventeen cases showing traumatic prolonged coma were presented. Site of brain damage and mechanism causing disturbance of consciousnes were discussed by analysing the clinical, electroencephalographic, operative and pathological findings. Seventeen cases were divided into four groups based on clinical findings and location of brain damage. Those groups were 1) cerebral contusion, 2) intracranial hematoma, 3) contusional hematoma and 4) primary brain stem injury. As for the site of brain damage, diffuse degeneration of the cerebral hemisphere and or damage of the upper brain stem following head injury, either independntly or in combination, elicited traumatic prolonged coma. Furthermore, in patients thought clinically to be primary brain stem injury, diffuse damage in the brain tissue including the cerebral hemisphere were demonstrated by post mortem examination. In addition to the direct brain damage by impact to the head, disturbance of circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and axonal degeneration might play an important role in the development of coma after injury. It is concluded that the functional block between the cerebral cortex and the upper brain stem is the most important factor postponing the disturbance of consciousness and governing the outcome in a patient who sustains head injury.

Journal

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top