A change in neurological and/or brain function caused by the transmission of external energy that causes severe physical damage to the central nervous system.
It is a serious public health problem as it is the leading cause of death and disability in young people.
The injury is caused by the transmission of an external force or energy as a result of a fall, accident or direct blow.
Symptoms depend on the type of trauma, the area of the brain affected and the severity of the injury. They may include loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, vomiting, lack of coordination, changes in balance, changes in sleep, changes in behaviour or mood, confusion, amnesia and problems with attention or thinking.
Diagnosis is made by history, physical examination and neuroimaging tests.
Treatment should be started early to minimise later sequelae. In many cases, admission to intensive care is necessary to stabilise the patient and treat 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.
