Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries
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Barbiturate Coma

  • Thiopental or pentobarbital may be used to induce a state of "coma" & decrease metabolic activity in the brain
  • Reduced brain metabolic activity reduces cerebral blood flow, and hence reduces the intracranial pressure
  • The coma may also offer some protection from secondary brain injury due to hypoxia and ischemia
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries