Neurophysiologic monitoring of patients with head injuries.

Despite new technologic developments designed to analyze the brain's electrical activity, monitoring the electroencephalogram or evoked potentials has not yet provided important information with regard to acute management of patients with head injury. Measurement of cerebral blood flow as well as jugular oxygen saturation is of more practical importance. Particularly when monitored continuously, these measures can provide useful information about the use of hyperventilation and control of elevated systemic arterial pressure.