Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as "a blow or jolt to the head ...which can disrupt the function of the brain" (CDC. Traumatic brain injury [TBI]: Topic Home. 2004 [http://www.cdc.gov]). TBI changes the lives of approximately 2 million persons each year in the United States. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are imperative to promote optimum outcomes. The critical care clinician who is able to identify and treat appropriately utilizing best practice guidelines may significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of TBI. This article describes the classification, mechanism of injury, pathophysiology, and clinical therapeutic management strategies identified as best practice for TBI.