Combat hypoxia: the importance of airway management & oxygenation of the traumatic brain injury patient.

Brain injury, specifically TBI, is a common occurrence in our society, with devastating physical, emotional, social and economic costs. Injury not only occurs on initial impact, but also develops slowly over ensuing hours or days. TBI poses unique challenges and requires special care, especially with airway management and ventilatory treatment. Serial assessment, particularly of the GCS and pupillary changes, is vital in continuing to monitor patient status. All treatment associated with the TBI patient is aimed at restoring CPP and allowing oxygenated blood to reach injured brain tissues.