Advances in research of the evaluation and management of mild traumatic brain

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been classified as mild, moderate, or severe, on the basis of the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score. Mild TBI is estimated to account for 90% of all cases of TBI, and it has become a serious public health problem, with morbidity increasing year by year. At present, there is a lack of accepted uniform definition of mild TBI. Clinically, mild TBI and concussion are interchangeable terms. In recent years, advances in brain imaging, biomarkers determination, and neuropathology have encouraged people to revise and update their knowledge about mild TBI. In view of the high prevalence of mild TBI in the emergency and community, and the absence of the data concerning the long-term effects of mild TBI, further research is needed about how to reduce morbidity and costs, alleviate delayed consequences, and develop evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes. Key words: Mild traumatic brain injury; Glasgow coma scale score; Concussion; Clinical management; Post-concussion symptoms; Prognosis