Novack T A, Dillon M C, Jackson W T
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35233-7330, USA.
J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 1996 Oct;18(5):685-706. doi: 10.1080/01688639608408292.
This article reviews cellular energy transformation processes and neurochemical events that take place at the time of brain injury and shortly thereafter emphasizing hypoxia-ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, and traumatic brain injury. New interpretations of established concepts, such as diffuse axonal injury, are discussed; specific events, such as free radical production, excess production of excitatory amino acids, and disruption of calcium homeostasis, are reviewed. Neurochemically-based interventions are also presented: calcium channel blockers, excitatory amino acid antagonists, free radical scavengers, and hypothermia treatment. Concluding remarks focus on the role of clinical neuropsychologists in validation of treatment interventions.
