| Donegan MF et al, 1980, USA | 10 ventilated comatosed patients on ICU. IV lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg v N/Saline | Double blind PRCT | Change in ICP on suctioning | Lignocaine attenuated rise in ICP | Small numbers |
| | | | | Patients not paralysed |
| White PF et al, 1982, USA | 15 comatosed patients with diffuse axonal injury on ICU. Compared response to suction with: | RCT | Change in baseline ICP | Reduced with lidocaine and thiopentone | Small numbers |
| | | | | Unblinded |
| | | Change in ICP on suctioning | No effect | Questionable randomisation |
| Yano M et al, 1986,USA | 9 patients with severe head injury (GCS<8). All patients had mild cranial high BP. All ventilated | RCT compared response on suctioning. IV lignocaine v intratracheal lignocaine. Readings at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 min | Change in baseline ICP | No change in baseline ICP | Unblinded |
| | | | | Small numbers |
| | | Change in ICP on suctioning | Both methods reduced ICP | Patients not paralysed |
| | | Comparison of routes | Intratracheal route more effective | |