Ketamine in acute phase of severe traumatic brain injury an old drug for new uses?

Maintaining an adequate level of sedation and analgesia plays a key role in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To date, it is unclear which drug or combination of drugs is most effective in achieving these goals. Ketamine is an agent with attractive pharmacological and pharmacokinetics characteristics. Current evidence shows that ketamine does not increase and may instead decrease intracranial pressure, and its safety profile makes it a reliable tool in the prehospital environment. In this point of view, we discuss different aspects of the use of ketamine in the acute phase of TBI, with its potential benefits and pitfalls.

Automated summary

Maintaining adequate sedation and analgesia is crucial in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ketamine, with its attractive pharmacological characteristics, has the potential to be a reliable tool in the prehospital environment for TBI patients.