In the 2023 Pharmacology Update for APPs course, you will learn the indications, selection and duration of prophylaxis in different neurologic conditions, focusing primarily on traumatic brain injury (TBI). Discussions include neuroprotective agents that are used to prevent further neuronal damage and save neurons in the brain from irreversible injury. These agents target different cellular pathways to interfere with mechanisms such as inflammatory processes, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

This course also discusses:

• The management of hypertensive crisis, defining hypertensive urgency and emergency, and outlining treatment goals for each.
• A review of medications commonly used in neurosurgical ICUs for sedation, paralysis and burst suppression.

• Identify when seizure prophylaxis is indicated
• Assess appropriate agents
• Determine duration of prophylaxis
• Know available agents and their potential role in neuroprotection
• Review the evidence of neuroprotective agents
• Define hypertensive urgency and emergency
• Identify treatment goals for hypertensive emergencies, including stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage
• List pharmacological agents used to manage hypertensive crisis