The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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This systematic review describes effects of body temperature alterations defined as fever, controlled normothermia, and spontaneous or induced hypothermia on outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults. ⋯ Setting a goal of normothermia, avoiding fever, and aggressively treating fever may be most important after TBI. Further research is needed to characterize the magnitude and duration of temperature alteration after TBI, determine if temperature alteration influences or predicts neurologic outcome, determine if rate of temperature change influences or predicts neurologic outcome, and compare controlled normothermia versus standard practice or hypothermia.
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Insufficient cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage can impair cerebral blood flow. We examined the temporal profiles of CPP change and tested whether these profiles were associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). ⋯ The longer the time patients spent with high CPP, the greater the odds for DCI. When used prophylactically, induced hypertension contributes to higher CPP values. On the basis of the CPP trends and correlations observed, induced hypertension may not confer expected benefits in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by specific symptoms such as intense pain and loss of function. This syndrome can be so devastating that it affects quality of life. ⋯ The purpose of the survey in this study was to query actual patients living with CRPS to gain additional knowledge and suggestions to help improve their care. Respondents expressed a variety of emotions when asked about their healthcare experiences, which suggests that healthcare providers need to be better educated about CRPS so they can provide more compassionate care for patients trying to cope with this condition.