Chapter 26 - Traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the long-term complications associated with TBI are only now being fully explored. This chapter will outline the neurobiology of TBI, describing the key pathologic changes occurring within the brain following both blunt force impact trauma and rotational forces, resulting in stretching of internal cellular structures, particularly the axons. The clinical assessment of TBI is discussed, including current concepts of mild TBI (mTBI). The role of animal models in the study of TBI is discussed, and acute and long-term consequences of TBI are outlined, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).