Traumatic brain injury--support for injured people and their carers.
BACKGROUND
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of lifelong disability and death worldwide, but is considered a 'silent epidemic' as society is largely unaware of the magnitude of the problem. TBI is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. Patients with a TBI may have a range of physical, mental, cognitive and social problems.


OBJECTIVE
This article provides a summary of the available evidence for assessing TBI and managing the common mental health, physical and cognitive/behavioural issues associated with TBI.


CONCLUSIONS
Translational and clinical research has revealed that TBI can no longer be regarded as a single clinical entity with a defined outcome. Each type of injury can lead to a distinct clinical condition that requires careful assessment and appropriate management to reduce long-term disability. In this article we discuss some of the more common health issues related to TBI.
BDS, MPH, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW.
Jagnoor
J
Jagnoor
Ian D
ID
Cameron
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D012944:Social Support; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices