This e-book will review special features of the cerebral circulation and how they contribute to the physiology of the brain. It describes structural and functional properties of the cerebral circulation that are unique to the brain, an organ with high metabolic demands and the need for tight water and ion homeostasis. Autoregulation is pronounced in the brain, with myogenic, metabolic and neurogenic mechanisms contributing to maintain relatively constant blood flow during both increases and decreases in pressure. In addition, unlike peripheral organs where the majority of vascular resistance resides in small arteries and arterioles, large extracranial and intracranial arteries contribute significantly to vascular resistance in the brain. The prominent role of large arteries in cerebrovascular resistance helps maintain blood flow and protect downstream vessels during changes in perfusion pressure. The cerebral endothelium is also unique in that its barrier properties are in some way more like epithelium than endothelium in the periphery. The cerebral endothelium, known as the blood-brain barrier, has specialized tight junctions that do not allow ions to pass freely and has very low hydraulic conductivity and transcellular transport. This special configuration modifies Starling's forces in the brain microcirculation such that ions retained in the vascular lumen oppose water movement due to hydrostatic pressure. Tight water regulation is necessary in the brain because it has limited capacity for expansion within the skull. Increased intracranial pressure due to vasogenic edema can cause severe neurologic complications and death.

This Brief provides a comprehensive introduction to the control of blood flow in the brain. Beginning with the basic physiology of autoregulation, the author goes on to discuss measurement techniques, mathematical models, methods of analysis, and relevant clinical conditions, all within this single volume. The author draws together this disparate field, and lays the groundwork for future research directions. The text gives an up-to-date review of the state of the art in cerebral autoregulation, which is particularly relevant as cerebral autoregulation moves from the laboratory to the bedside. Cerebral Autoregulation will be useful to researchers in the physical sciences such as mathematical biology, medical physics, and biomedical engineering whose work is concerned with the brain. Researchers in the medical sciences and clinicians dealing with the brain and blood flow, as well as industry professionals developing techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT will also find this Brief of interest.

Easily understood, up-to-date and clinically relevant, this book provides junior anaesthetists with an essential physiology resource.

Studies of the mechanisms relating blood supply to the brain appeared to be, in some sense, at a deadlock. Despite extensive application of different methodical approaches, no qualitative progress has been observed in these studies at the present time. This is perhaps due to the traditional, but not understandable, separation of neurophysiological and "circulatory" studies. It may seem very paradoxical, but the study of cerebral blood circulation proceeds almost in complete isolation from the knowledge about brain functions and does not take into account the specificity of the working brain as a part of the whole body. This book comprehensively addresses the issues of blood flow regulation. It is well known that the brain belongs to the group of organs having a high level of oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption by the brain is an average 4.6 ml per 100 g of tissue per minute. In humans, the level of oxygen consumption by the whole brain attains 46 ml/min. This makes up approximately 20% of the total oxygen volume consumed by the organism. Consequently, the cerebral tissue is characterised by highly energetic processes. There is evidence indicating that even in functionally resting conditions, 18% of the entire energy expenditure of the body is utilised by the brain Calculations made by Rushmer indicate that the intensity of energy consumption by the human brain appears to be on average 20 Watt.

A quick reference to basic science for anaesthetists, containing all the key information needed for FRCA exams.

This second edition presents core clinical neuroanesthesia and neurointensive care knowledge in a practical, user-friendly format.

Core Topics in Neuroanesthesia and Neurointensive Care is an authoritative and practical clinical text that offers clear diagnostic and management guidance for a wide range of neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care problems. With coverage of every aspect of the discipline by outstanding world experts, this should be the first book to which practitioners turn for easily accessible and definitive advice. Initial sections cover relevant anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, intraoperative and critical care monitoring and neuroimaging. These are followed by detailed sections covering all aspects of neuroanesthesia and neurointensive care in both adult and pediatric patients. The final chapter discusses ethical and legal issues. Each chapter delivers a state-of-the art review of clinical practice, including outcome data when available. Enhanced throughout with numerous clinical photographs and line drawings, this practical and accessible text is key reading for trainee and consultant anesthetists and critical care specialists.

The Oxford Textbook of Neurocritical Care provides an authoritative and up-to-date summary of the scientific basis, clinical techniques and management guidelines in this exciting clinical discipline. Authored by an international team of expert practitioners this textbook reflects world-wide practice.

New and groundbreaking therapeutic options for the critical care of patients with cerebrovascular disease have improved patient management, minimized morbidity, reduced in-patient care, improved quality of life, and had a positive economic impact on health service provision. This volume integrates these approaches and suggests the best therapy option for all cerebrovascular conditions. The early chapters of the book focus on monitoring techniques and interventions. Subsequent sections address the critical care of a wide range of cerebrovascular diseases: ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformations, cerebral venous thrombosis and traumatic injury. The editors and authors are internationally recognized experts in their field, and the text is supplemented by tables and illustrations to demonstrate important clinical findings. This book will meet the needs of stroke physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointensivists and interventional neuroradiologists seeking to maximize positive outcomes for their patients.