[[The treatment of severe head-brain injuries in Austria] ].

INTRODUCTION

We performed this study in order to assess epidemiology and current practice of treatment of severe traumatic brain injury in Austria. Our survey followed the methods of a study published by J. Ghajar et al in the USA in 1995 and we compared the results to the Brain Trauma Foundation's "Guidelines For The Management Of Severe Head Injury".

METHODS

The collected data represent answers to telephone interviews of 60 surgical intensive care units. We were able to evaluate data from all departments which treat severe brain traumas (Glasgow Coma Scale < or = 8) in Austria.

RESULTS

At the time the treatment modalities of severe head injuries are not homogeneous and there are also big interdisciplinary management differences (trauma surgeons versus neurosurgeons).

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that there is a need for a brain trauma databank in Austria. We also recommend formation of an interdisciplinary brain trauma working group in order to control whether guidelines and standardized therapeutic modalities are being followed.