It is the alteration in neurological and/or brain function, caused by the transfer of external energy that causes serious physical damage to the central nervous system.
It represents a serious public health problem since it is the most common cause of death and disability in young people.
The injury occurs through the transfer of an external force or energy, as a consequence of a fall, accident or direct blow.
Symptoms depend on the type of trauma, the affected area of the brain and the severity of the injury. These may appear as loss of consciousness, or with headache, dizziness, vomiting, lack of coordination, changes in balance, changes in sleep, changes in behavior or mood, confusion, amnesia, and problems with attention or reasoning.
The diagnosis is reached through medical history, physical examination and neuroimaging tests.
Treatment should be started early to minimize subsequent sequelae. In many cases, it requires admission to an intensive care unit to stabilize the patient and correct life-threatening situations.
- J Claude Hemphill, III, MD, MAS. Traumatic brain injury: Epidemiology, classification, and pathophysiology. Uptodate. Nov 08, 2016.
- J Claude Hemphill, III, MD, MAS, Nicholas Phan, MD, FRCSC, FACS. Management of acute severe traumatic brain injury. Uptodate. Feb 10, 2015.
- Feigin VL, Theadom A, Barker-Collo S, et al. Incidence of traumatic brain injury in New Zealand: a population-based study. Lancet Neurol 2013; 12:53.
- Ilie G, Boak A, Adlaf EM, et al. Prevalence and correlates of traumatic brain injuries among adolescents. JAMA 2013; 309:2550.
- Liao CC, Chiu WT, Yeh CC, et al. Risk and outcomes for traumatic brain injury in patients with mental disorders. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012; 83:1186.
