The impact of burn injury on the central nervous system

Burns & Trauma, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/burnst/tkad037 · Published: January 1, 2024

Simple Explanation

Burn injuries can affect more than just the skin; they can cause changes to multiple body systems. These injuries, caused by various mechanisms like scalds and electrical burns, range in severity depending on the skin layers damaged and the burn's extent on the body's surface area. Inflammation, the body's initial response to burn injury, can lead to long-term issues affecting metabolism, organ function, and the nervous system. This inflammation, coupled with a compromised blood-brain barrier, may contribute to mental health complications. Treatments for CNS damage due to burn injury often target inflammatory pathways. Non-invasive treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation and virtual reality are also used to address functional and cognitive damage.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Burn injuries can lead to CNS-related sequelae, including neural apoptosis, hyperalgesia, and changes in metabolism and cognitive function.
2
The primary mechanism underlying CNS changes after a burn is believed to be inflammation. However, it may also be associated with metabolic disruption or acute dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier.
3
Pharmaceutical and non-invasive therapeutic options are emerging to reduce the impact of burns on the CNS and improve patient outcomes.

Research Summary

Burn injuries have widespread sequelae that affect many body systems including the CNS. In this review we have explored the different ways that a burn affects the CNS. There is now significant and accumulating evidence, gleaned from animal and human studies, that burn injury causes a sustained physiological impact on the CNS. The overarching mechanism underpinning the burn-induced changes in the CNS has not been elucidated, although it appears that inflammation and metabolic aberration effects are critical. Research should focus on understanding the triggers impacting burn-induced CNS damage, the long-term neural consequences of burn injuries on the CNS, as well as the impacts of invasive and non-invasive treatments targeting the CNS in burn survivors’ recovery. This may lead to improving long-term health outcomes for burn patients.

Practical Implications

Understanding CNS Impact

Recognizing the physiological impact of burns on the CNS can lead to better diagnoses and treatment strategies for neural comorbidities.

Developing Targeted Therapies

Further research into the mechanisms causing CNS damage can help create targeted therapies to mitigate the effects of burn injuries on the brain and spinal cord.

Improving Long-Term Care

Focusing on both invasive and non-invasive treatments can improve the long-term health outcomes for burn patients, addressing cognitive and functional changes.

Study Limitations

1
Burn severity thresholds for CNS changes are unknown.
2
More research innovation is required to further our understanding about the CNS in burn survivors.
3
The overarching mechanism underpinning the burn-induced changes in the CNS has not been elucidated.

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