Effects of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Ventilation on Intracranial Pressure and Cerebral Blood Flow

The interplay between physiological dynamics relating to cardiac, pulmonary, and central nervous system function is of great concern during intensive care of the neurosurgical patient. Patients suffering from multiple trauma including intracranial injuries frequently develop acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation [12]. In addition, mechanical ventilation is often needed in comatose patients following head trauma without other injuries. Pulmonary complications with increased venous admixture are also reported in these patients [6].