Therapeutic uses of high-dose omega-3 fatty acids to treat comatose patients with severe brain injury

• A new protocol for treating severe brain trauma in comatose patients using high-dose omega-3 fatty acids is described.

Severe brain trauma injury (TBI) is characterized by significant neuroinflammation. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Since they can easily pass the blood–brain barrier, they have the potential to reduce the neuroinflammation that accompanies TBI. This review summarizes two case histories and protocols that have used high-dose omega-3 fatty acid concentrates in the treatment of brain injury in comatose patients. We also present some potential mechanisms to account for the beneficial effects of the omega-3 fatty acids and the clinical markers used to minimize the concern for increased bleeding at high levels of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.