Caffeine Improves Brain Injury Outcome

A study has revealed a link between the presence of caffeine in the body and favorable outcomes following severe brain injury in humans. The finding was reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists in Las Vegas (NV, USA) in October 2004.

The study included 31 patients who had suffered severe brain injuries. Caffeine is thought to produce its biologic effects on people through interactions with adenosine receptors, found throughout the body and with substantial localization in the brain. Certain receptors called A1 receptors are especially protective to neurons during brain injury. Caffeine may provide benefits for traumatic brain injury by stimulating the synthesis of new A1 receptors in the brain or through other mechanisms, according to Patrick M. Kochanek, M.D., director of the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (PA, USA).

"Caffeine use may be up-regulating adenosine A1 receptors, which in turn gives the brain a stronger defense at the time of crisis,” remarked Dr. Kochanek. "Brain trauma is a common problem in neuroanesthesiology units, and there currently is no specific pharmacologic therapy available for brain injury treatment that improves patient outcomes.”

Although more studies are needed to fully understand caffeine's effects on the central nervous system, Dr. Kochanek noted that "The data suggest that if you happen to have a severe head injury, having had some caffeine consumption, or just being a regular caffeine consumer, provides you with some protection against the evolution of damage in the brain once the injury has occurred.”




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