Current status of cerebral protection with mild-to-moderate hypothermia after traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to review the current status of protective effects of mild-to-moderate hypothermia on traumatic brain injury. RECENT FINDINGS: More than 30 clinical studies have reported effects of therapeutic hypothermia on outcome of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia. Only one clinical trial of short-term mild hypothermia did not show any effect in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Long-term mild hypothermia may be useful for severe traumatic brain-injured patients. SUMMARY: Mild-to-moderate hypothermia plays a significant role in cerebral protection after traumatic brain injury.