The Brain Trauma Foundation. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care. Initial Management

The fundamental goals of resuscitation of the head-injured patient are the restoration of circulating volume, blood pressure, oxygenation, and ventilation. The physician should initiate maneuvers that serve to lower ICP and do not interfere with these aims as early as possible during resuscitation of any patient with a head injury. Treatment modalities such as hyperventilation and mannitol administration that have the potential of exacerbating intracranial ischemia or interfering with resuscitation should be reserved for patients who show signs of intracranial hypertension such as evidence of herniation or neurologic deterioration.