Effects of nimodipine on the cerebrovascular hemodynamics in patients with severe head injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of calcium-antagonist nimodipine on the cerebrovascular hemodynamic indices (CVHI) in patients with severe head injuries, thereby to facilitate the clinical application of this drug.

METHODS

Eighty patients with severe head injuries were randomly divided into two groups: one group received conventional therapy, including craniotomy, hemostasis, dehydration, anti-infection and corticosteroid administration and the other group received nimodipine on the basis of conventional therapy lasting till 30 d after injuries. CVHI, including mean blood flow velocity (Vmean), mean blood flow (Qmean) in the carotid artery on the injured side, resistance (R) and dynamic resistance (DR) of cerebral vessels, were measured by CVA LH-450 cerebrovascular hemodynamics analyzer (Fudan University, Shanghai, China).

RESULTS

Obvious reduction in Vmean and Qmean with marked increase in R and DR occurred after severe head injury. The indices of nimodipine group were significantly improved and the patients had better prognosis in comparison with conventional therapy group.

CONCLUSION

Nimodipine is effective in promoting cerebral circulation and improving the prognosis of patients with severe head injuries.