Non-Selective Beta-Adrenergic Blocker Propranolol: A Life Saving Drug for Hospitalized Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury in Intensive Care Unit

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death under the age of forty. This in turn results in intracranial injury in about 90% of the cases from least-income countries. The majority of patients admitted to the Intensive care Unit (ICU) had trauma which is managed by preventive strategies and to combat the secondary hit stimulated by the primary hit International guidelines have formed a protocol to be applied in patients with TBI for the better outcome and to increase the survival rate. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the importance of beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol in patients admitted with TBI. Methodology: The literature search was conducted to find recent articles related to the aim of the study to analyze the significance of beta-blocking agent propranolol in TBI. Results: Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity (PSH) occurs within 24 hours of TBI in patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ≤ 8). In patients who are agitated or in restlessness propranolol is the drug of choice to reduce hyperactivity. Several studies reported that using beta-adrenergic blocking agents decreases the mortality rate and current studies started focusing on the primary initiation of propranolol and also reported side-effects associated in TBI. Conclusion: Early administration of Non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol will continue to be the standard prophylactic pharmacotherapeutic method as it limits the risk of sympathetic storming in high-risk patients with TBI.