What does a phenobarbital coma do?
What does a phenobarbital coma do? Purpose. Barbiturate comas are used to protect the brain during major brain surgery, such as the removal of arteriovenous malformations or aneurysms. Coma may also be induced to control intracranial hypertension caused by brain injury. What are the side effects of pentobarbital? Common side effects of pentobarbital include:Skin swelling (rare)Slow heart rate.Low blood pressure (hypotension)Agitation.Loss of balance or coordination.Central nervous system (CNS) depression.Confusion.Dizziness. How does pentobarbital reduce intracranial pressure? Barbiturates are believed to reduce intracranial pressure by suppressing cerebral metabolism, thus reducing cerebral metabolic demands and cerebral blood volume. However, barbiturates also reduce blood...