Neurotrauma in Japan, Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

  Authors evaluated the present state of neurotrauma research in Japan retroactively to the past and searched corridors to the future. The Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank had first clarified an increased risk of talk and deterioration in elderly patients owing to the increased incidence of tumble/falls, instead of traffic accidents, and the frequent use of antithrombotic agents. Through the “Think FAST” campaign, urgent image analysis, such as computed tomography and neutralization of antithrombotic activity, when bleeding is found, is highly recommended to prevent the expansion of hematoma. This campaign also discussed how to establish neurocritical care as a distinct medical sector in Japan to achieve standards set by the countries of United States or European Union, how to treat and follow patients with intellectual impairment after trauma, and how to develop temperature management concept, including focal brain cooling or transient receptor potential family. Especially, we stressed on a paradigm shift from hypothermia therapy based on our experience of temperature management therapy. Japan is a well-developed and ultra-aging country ; therefore, we have encountered drastic changes in neurotrauma similar to that encountered by other developed countries. Hence, we have to mention this change globally and implement countermeasures for it.