Influência da fisioterapia respiratória na pressão intracraniana em pacientes com traumatismo craniencefálico grave Influence of the respiratory physioterapy on intracranial pressure in severe head trauma patients

OBJETIVO: Estudar a influência das manobras de fisioterapia respiratória na pressão intracraniana (PIC) dos pacientes com trauma craniencefálico grave. MÉTODO: Trinta e cinco pacientes com trauma craniencefálico grave foram incluídos no estudo, sendo divididos em três grupos: com PIC OBJECTIVE: To evaluate influence of the respiratory physiotherapy on intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with severe head trauma. METHOD: Thirty five patients with severe head trauma were included in the study.The patients were divided into three groups: ICP 0-10, 11-20 and 21-30 mmHg. The following variables were measured: ICP and mean arterial pressure. Cerebral perfusion pressure was calculated as the difference between mean arterial and intracranial pressure. RESULTS: Endotracheal aspiration increased ICP in all patients. The mean arterial pressure didn't change and cerebral perfusion pressure decreased, but remaning normal value. CONCLUSION: Respiratory physiotherapy maneuvers can be safely applied in patients with severe head trauma with ICP below 30 mmHg. More attention should be taken during endotracheal aspiration