Doppler Ultrasonography Parameters and Mortality in Traumatic Brain Injury

The purpose of this study is to find out whether blood flow measurements of the brain and neck arteries, obtained with bedside Doppler ultrasonography are associated with neurological outcome and survival in adult patients with traumatic brain injury treated in the intensive care unit. Transcranial and carotid Doppler examinations are performed at three time points during the intensive care stay. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation is also monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy when the device is available. The study does not change patient treatment; all measurements are non-invasive and are performed alongside routine care.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Admission to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury * Informed consent obtained from the patient or a legally authorized representa Exclusion Criteria: * Inadequate acoustic temporal window preventing transcranial Doppler measurement * Known pre-existing significant carotid or intracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion * Pregnancy * Death or ICU discharge before the first Doppler measurement could be obtained * Refusal of consent