Enteral nutrition in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: reasons for intolerance and medical management

Br J Neurosurg. 2011 Feb;25(1):2-8. doi: 10.3109/02688697.2010.522745.

Abstract

Approximately, 50% of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit intolerance to enteral nutrition (EN). This intolerance hampers the survival and rehabilitation of this subpopulation to a great extent, and poses various difficulties for clinicians due to its complex underlying mechanisms. This review discusses the possible reasons for intolerance to EN following severe TBI, current trends in medical management, as well as other related issues that are experienced by many clinicians.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / complications
  • Brain Injuries / therapy*
  • Critical Illness
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects*
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Motility / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects*
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / methods
  • Male