Early Treatment with Hypertonic Fluids May Not Help TBI Victims

Doctors who treat victims of traumatic brain injury received disappointing news this week.  A procedure thought to improve the outcome of patients suffering from blunt-force traumatic brain injury does not make a significant difference.
 
Preliminary studies suggested that early administration of hypertonic fluids after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may help to reduce intracranial pressure and improve patient outcome.  However, a large trial study published in the Oct. 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found this is not the case.
 
The new large scale study included 1,087 patients with severe TBI who did not suffer shock caused by blood loss (hypovolemic shock). Some of the patients received hypertonic fluids before they arrived at hospital and others received normal saline solution. The patients’ outcome was tracked for six months.  At the six month stage, both groups of patients had similar survival and disability rates.
 
Hypertonic fluid has been used by EMTs as an intervention for patients suffering traumatic brain injuries from falls, sports injuries, and Virginia car accidents.  The authors of the study say there is no benefit to continuing that procedure.
 
Norfolk accident attorney Lawrence Land represents victims of traumatic brain injury throughout Virginia. He understands the challenges and obstacles that TBI victims experience and works hard to get them the compensation they need to pay for their treatment and rehabilitation, as well as damages such as lost income, pain and suffering.  To learn more, contact Mr. Land at 757-251-0198.