Effects of Magnesium Sulfate Therapy on GCS Scores in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the number one cause of death under 44 years of age; in spite of this fact, there is no standard available pharmacological agent for the treatment of brain injury. We evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate treatment for the management and outcome of TBI. Material and Methods: The prospective cases (n = 60) of TBI were included with non-probability consecutive sampling. They received standard protocol treatment for TBI and magnesium sulfate as an add on therapy. GCS was noted on two occasions, at the time of admission and on the 3rd day. T-test was used to compare the results and for identification of significance/insignificance results. Results: Mean age of the patients was 37.12 ± 13.25 years. Majority were male (68.3%), while females were 31.7%. Mean duration of an elapsed post traumatic brain injury was 5.06 ± 2.32 hours. Mean GCS before magnesium sulfate treatment (on admission) was 5.46 ± 1.521; mean Glasgow coma (GCS) after magnesium sulfate treatment (on 3rd day) was 8.03 ± 2.56. There existed a significant difference between the GCS scores at the time of admission and on 3rd day (p value < 0.0001). Mean GCS was 7.69 ± 2.55 in age < 30 years and it was 8.29 ± 2.57 in age > 30 years, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: A significant improvement was found in the GCS after magnesium sulfate therapy in patients with TBI.