External Lumbar DrainageExternal Lumbar Drainage to Reduce ICP in Severe TBI: a Phase 1 Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-65 years age
2. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-8
3. Pupils symmetric and bilaterally reactive
4. Midline shift ≤5mm at the level of foramen of Monro on admission or post-operative brain CT
5. Patent (complete or partial) quadrigeminal cisterns on admission or post-operative brain CT
6. First randomization and intervention may be commenced within 24 hours of injury
7. ELD safety score ≥5

Exclusion Criteria:

1. GCS >8
2. Cisterns on CT completely effaced
3. Midline shift on CT >5mm
4. GCS 3 with dilated and fixed pupils
5. Uncal or tonsillar herniation on admission or post-operative brain CT
6. Temporal lobe contusions with effaced ipsilateral cisterns
7. Penetrating TBI
8. Primary hemicraniectomy
9. Pregnancy
10. Prisoners
11. Patients previously lacking capacity to consent or refuse treatment, or with advanced directives to forego aggressive care
12. Pre-existing conditions affecting functional status or life expectancy to less than 1 year
13. Contra-indications for ELD placement: coagulopathy, use of anticoagulants or anti-thrombotics, thrombocytopenia <50,000, or severe spinal deformity.
14. posterior fossa hemorrhage