Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an alteration in brain structure or function caused by external forces that result in vascular and axonal damage, edema, and neuronal cell death. This chapter examines the spectrum of TBI. TBI is a major cause of death and disability and, therefore, an important health and socioeconomic problem for societies. Individuals surviving a moderate to severe TBI frequently suffer from long-lasting cognitive deficits. Such deficits include different aspects of cognition, such as memory, attention, executive functions, social behavior, and awareness. Protective factors, well-detailed diagnostic criteria, and available pharmacological and behavioral treatments are described. Final considerations on current controversies, knowledge gaps, and future research targets are provided.