Caffeine prevents acute mortality after TBI in rats without increased morbidity

► Apnea after severe TBI is correlated with lethal outcome. ► Lethal apnea after severe TBI can be prevented by a single dose of caffeine. ► Caffeine rescue does not worsen neurological outcome. ► EEG bursts occur within 4 weeks after severe TBI. ► EEG bursts are reduced by a single dose of caffeine after injury.