From Trauma to Recovery: Assessing and Managing the Neuropsychiatric Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired condition that presents with psychiatric and physical manifestations that carry significant morbidity, with neuropsychiatric complications usually outweighing neuro-physical complications as the major cause of disability after TBI. These complications significantly influence the post-TBI recovery trajectory, inhibiting cognitive and functional rehabilitation, increasing suicide risk and potentially leading to higher mortality rates.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature review of the epidemiology and global burden of TBI, its types and causes, its underlying mechanisms and pathology, how to assess its severity and the variety of neuropsychiatric sequelae of TBI and their management.

Results

TBI can trigger a spectrum of neuropsychiatric complications that can range from concussion, post-concussion syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy to emotional disorders (pathological laughing and crying, affective lability and irritability) to cognitive deficits to behavioural disorders (disinhibition, aggression and apathy) and to psychiatric disorders (depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis and sleep disorders).

Conclusions

Neuropsychiatric sequelae arising from TBI are prevalent, intricate, and often lead to substantial functional and social impairment, requiring a blend of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The varied and long-lasting impacts of TBI underlie the necessity for ongoing, tailored management strategies, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment.