The Brain-Abdominal Interaction

This book chapter explores the intricate relationship between the brain and gut in critically ill patients with traumatic and non-traumatic systemic injuries. Neuroinflammation and neurological complications are frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in such patients. The chapter discusses the bidirectional brain–gut communication pathways mediated by neurohormonal, immunological, and cellular responses. It highlights the role of brain injury in exacerbating extracerebral organ dysfunction and causing secondary brain injuries. The chapter specifically focuses on the impact of intra-abdominal pressure, intra-abdominal hypertension and compartment syndrome, the nervous system, the gut microbiome, the immune system, and hormonal communication in the brain–gut interaction. It elaborates on the polycompartment model and organ-organ crosstalk phenomena.