Objective: To compare the cerebral effects of propofol and thiopental infusions in rats with experimental head trauma.Methods: This experimental study included a total of 30 rats, and the animals were randomly divided into 3 groups; as control group (Group C), propofol group (Group P) and thiopental group (Group T). Blood samples were taken 4 hours following infusion. A craniotomy was performed, the brain was removed, and it was placed in 10% neutral formalin for histopathological examination. The materials were examined biochemically and histopathologically, and then compared between the groups.Results: The S100B value between the groups was significantly lower in the thiopental group compared to the control group (p = 0.018). Tau protein levels were significantly lower in the propofol group compared to the control group (p = 0.07).In histological examinations, the numbers of apoptotic cells in the propofol and thiopental groups were significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the propofol and thiopental groups in terms of apoptotic cell numbers (p = 0.3). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that thiopental and propofol infusions following a head trauma reduce apoptotic cell death and cause decreases in trauma markers.