[Evidence-based intensive care treatment of intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury].

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs frequently and is associated with a poor prognosis. Severe TBI results in substantial disability or death in more than 40% of cases. The major aim of treatment of these patients is to minimize secondary brain injury and in this respect, the prevention of intracranial hypertension plays a key role. In addition to surgical approaches, various conservative treatment options exist, such as the use of osmodiuretics, barbiturates, or corticosteroids, hyperventilation as well as induced therapeutic hypothermia. This review analyzes these treatment options and the therapeutic goals of lowering intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients after TBI using evidence-based criteria, and provides recommendations for clinical practice.