Background　Pulmonary complications after severe brain injury often happened. It could include neurogenic pulmonary edema, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) and ventilator-associated pneumonia.　Objective　This review is to summarize research advances in recent years in pulmonary complications in patients with brain injury.　Content　Direct brain injury, depressed level of consciousness and inability to protect the airway, decreased mobility, and secondary neurological injury results from severe brain damage are main causes of pulmonary complications of severe brain damage patients in neurological department. Prevention strategies was implemented to avoid the development of these life-threatening pulmonary complications and current therapy methods are discussed.　Trend　The mechanism, specific treatment methods of pulmonary complications in patients with brain injury still need further research.