Hypothermia: Application and Use in Neurocritical Care

The application of hypothermia to prevent neurological damage is an old concept which has reached prominence after two randomized trials revealed significant improvements in neurological outcome after cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation. Significant questions remain as to the timing and duration of its application. Similarly, limited information on neurological prognostication after hypothermic cardiac arrest currently exists. The expansion of therapeutic hypothermia to other neurological diseases has not proved beneficial. Continued research in the clinical application of this modality is needed.