Integrative Approaches to Acute Brain Injury: Vascular, Electrical, and Metabolic Interactions

Acute brain injury pathophysiology is a complex and multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of dynamic processes that occur after traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. Despite significant advancements in neurocritical care, there remain substantial gaps in our understanding of the intricate mechanisms that underlie these injuries. Current challenges include accurately identifying and managing the diverse pathophysiological changes that occur, such as metabolic dysregulation, vascular dysfunction, and electrical disturbances. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of early detection and intervention in improving patient outcomes, yet the precise pathways to target therapeutically and their interactions remain elusive. While there have been strides in diagnostic technologies and therapeutic strategies, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between vascular, electrical, and metabolic domains is still lacking. This necessitates a more integrated approach to research, focusing on the immediate and long-term effects of acute brain injuries and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate and advance the understanding of the multifaceted processes involved in acute brain injury pathophysiology. By bringing together studies that explore the vascular, electrical, and metabolic aspects of these injuries, the goal is to enhance diagnostic and management strategies. Key objectives include investigating the mechanisms of seizure and spreading depolarization, brain metabolism and oxygenation, cerebral hemodynamics, intracranial pressure, and cerebrospinal compliance. The research will also focus on identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.

To gather further insights into the dynamic events following acute brain injuries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial function in traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries;
- Novel approaches to monitor and manage cerebral hemodynamics and intracranial pressure;
- Mechanisms of vascular dysfunction and blood-brain barrier disruption;
- Therapeutic strategies to restore vascular integrity;
- Identification and validation of laboratorial, radiological, or pathophysiological biomarkers.

The scope of this Research Topic spans from the immediate pre-hospital period through surgical procedures and critical care management up to hospital discharge, providing a comprehensive view of the acute brain injury continuum. Submissions include original studies and reviews.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: acut brain injury, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, brain metabolism, cerebral hemodynamics, neurocritical care

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.