Abstract
Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant global health concern, substantially contributing to morbidity, mortality, and disability across various age groups, with a marked incidence among young adults. Brain temperature regulation plays a crucial role in physiology, influenced by intricate processes related to glucose, protein, and fat metabolism. The brain’s high metabolic activity and isolation provided by the skull contribute to temperature variations. This context establishes a complex groundwork for understanding the interaction between TBI and cerebral thermal regulation. Objective: The aim of this work is to explore the relationship between fever and TBI, highlighting the additional challenges fever presents for clinical outcomes. We seek to understand the role of fever in inflammation and its influence in the context of TBI. Additionally, we intend to examine the importance of immediate cooling in severe cases to prevent short and long-term complications, such as multiple organ failure. Methods: To achieve the proposed objectives, a systematic review of scientific literature will be conducted, encompassing clinical studies, experimental research, and relevant reviews. The research was carried out on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases, using specific search terms related to fever, Traumatic Brain Injury, and cerebral thermal regulation. Thus, 160 references were utilized, covering epidemiology, historical aspects, physiological description, and the current state of fever treatment in TBI. Results: The results suggest a complex interaction between TBI and fever, with significant implications for clinical outcomes. Early fever is correlated with an unfavorable prognosis, emphasizing the importance of temperature monitoring in TBI patients. Distinguishing between neurogenic fever (NF) and infections proves crucial for personalized treatments, including the use of antipyretics, cooling methods, and potential neuroprotective interventions. Fever-induced damage, such as cytotoxic effects and systemic impacts, underscores the urgency of immediate cooling in severe cases to prevent long-term complications, such as multiple organ failure. Conclusion: These findings point to the need for specific clinical strategies to address fever in TBI patients, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and post-injury quality of life.