Article
The history of cerebral vasospasm – diagnostics and treatment over the past 80 years
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Authors
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Daniel Dubinski
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
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Volker Seifert
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| Published: | June 9, 2017 |
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Outline
Text
Objective: Since the first description of cerebral vasospasm by the English physician Sir William Gull in 1859 the pathophysiological mechanism underlying this post subarachnoid hemorrhage condition fascinated and frustrated physicians for decades. Here the achievements in diagnosis and treatment of cerebral vasospasm over the past eighty years are chronologically presented.
Methods: Comprehensive analysis of the available literature on subarachnoid hemorrhage in general and on cerebral vasospasm in particular was performed.
Results: In this study the various endeavours undertaken to treat cerebral vasospasm are presented. From the history of spasm identification to the numerous clinical trials including biomarker analysis, receptor antagonists, implants, intra-arterial infusions, artificial hibernation, clot removal to endovascular management are discussed.
Conclusion: Cerebral vasospasm remains a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although attempts to control cerebral vasospasm traces back to more than 100 years, the significant breakthrough remains to be discovered. Therefore, knowledge of the already undertaken effort is crucial and may help to strike new paths in future treatments.
