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Cranioplasty Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Role in Neurorecovery

  • Neurotrauma (D. Sandsmark, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving procedure performed in refractory intracranial pressure increase and mass lesion due to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cranioplasty primarily intends to maintain cerebral protection and reconstruct aesthetic appearance. Also, cranioplasty can enable neurological rehabilitation and potentially augment neurological recovery. This article reviews recent studies on the effect of cranioplasty on neurological recovery in severe TBI.

Recent Findings

Recent findings suggested that cranioplasty has the potential to enhance neurological recovery after severe TBI. Cranioplasty may alleviate cognitive and functional deficits by reinstating the regular cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and improving brain perfusion. Analyses on the effects of cranioplasty timing on neurological recovery likely favor early cranioplasty. Also, materials used during cranioplasty, autologous and exogenous, were suggested to have similar effects in recovery.

Summary

Although neurological therapy of TBI patients is still a serious challenge, recent findings represent the possible enhancing effect of cranioplasty on neurological recovery.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Research and Education Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey

    Baris Ozoner

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Ozoner, B. Cranioplasty Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Role in Neurorecovery. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 21, 62 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-021-01147-6

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