Changes in blood glucose after head injury and its prognostic significance.

In patients with brain injury a correlation was found between the states of consciousness and the fasting (basal) blood-sugar level. Deep coma was associated with a high blood-sugar level, whereas when consciousness was regained a prompt decrease in the blood-sugar level was observed. It is concluded that brain lesions which affect the state of consciousness also influence the fasting glucose level. The degree and course of the blood-sugar changes may have prognostic significance.