Neurochemical aspects of head injury: Role of excitatory neurotransmission

Historically, studies of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have focused on metabolic, cerebral vascular, and structural pathology. However, significant recent progress has been made in understanding the biochemical features of TBI. Studies have determined that TBI can produce excessive excitation of neurons in the period immediately following impact. This excessive excitation of neurons can produce enduring pathologic changes in cell function that could result in many of the neurologic deficits characteristic of TBI. Clinically, these observations suggest that the administration of various pharmacologic agents that can blunt excessive excitation could improve the outcome of head-injured patients, if given soon after injury.