ABSTRACT
The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body. It consists of the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum that control emotions, thoughts, memories, as well as basic vital life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. A brain injury can affect one or many parts of the brain that may result in lifelong neurological decits that can have a signi- cant impact on a person’s quality of life. The metabolic responses to the injury may be severe and prolonged especially when complicated by multiple organ failures. Therefore, along with prompt medical care, nutrition intervention is critical to optimize the best outcome following brain injury. This chapter will review two common types of brain injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and stroke, and discuss appropriate nutritional intervention to prevent and/or treat malnutrition during critical illness.
