Dexmedetomidine:Application Progress In Perioperative Period Of Neurosurgery

Background Dexmedetomidine is a new intravenous drug gaining popularity in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care practice. Objective Advance in applicability of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to neurosurgical management were reviewed. Content The article reviewed pharmacology, neurophysiological profile and the clinical application of dexmedetomidine in neurosurgical anesthesia (functional surgery, intracranial procedures and spinal surgery), neurosurgical intensive care unit and pediatric anesthesia of neurosurgery. Trend Antinociception, cardiovascular stability, and minimal respiratory depression are the useful properties of this drug. Dexmedetomidine can provide "cooperative sedation" for functional neurosurgery requiring intraoperative neurological assessment. Future investigations should further evaluate the use of this drug for specific procedures and in appropriately selected patient populations.