The following research reviews were produced by DVBIC to provide clarification on general topics of interest related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) research.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This information paper provides an overview of the topic of comorbid mild TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review focuses on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and mild TBI symptoms in patients with mild TBI history. While it can be difficult to differentiate symptoms of mild TBI from PTSD symptoms, especially months or years after the injury event, this review aims to present information relevant to understanding these often complex cases.
Traumatic Brain Injury, Irritability, and Aggression
This research review summarizes recent developments in the scientific literature on relationships between TBI, irritability, and aggressive behavior. Irritability and aggressive behavior can stress family, social, and professional relationships. Aggressive behavior can interfere with employment and rehabilitation and may lead to legal consequences. We describe research findings on prevalence and risk factors for irritability and aggressive behavior in individuals with TBI history. We also discuss risk factors for aggressive behavior in non-clinical military/veteran and civilian populations, and findings regarding TBI and legal involvement potentially due to aggressive behavior. To give the reader a global perspective on aggression, studies included cover all severities of brain injury from mild to severe and penetrating.
Acute Management of Intracranial Pressure in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
This research review provides an update on recent scientific literature regarding the acute treatment of severe closed-head traumatic brain injuries in adults. The three topics discussed here relate to the management of intracranial pressure (ICP): therapeutic hypothermia, hypertonic saline (HTS) and decompressive craniectomy. Specifically, the research questions considered are: whether therapeutic hypothermia improves patient outcomes; whether HTS is effective at reducing ICP or improving outcomes, and whether it's superior or equivalent to mannitol; and whether decompressive craniectomy improves patient outcomes. While there have been important findings on a number of therapies for acute severe TBI, these three areas were chosen based on their position at the forefront of research inquiry in the past five to 10 years.
TBI and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO2) has been proposed to be an alternative therapy for other diseases/injuries, including TBI. For moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI with associated evidence of neurological damage and ongoing injury to the brain through edema, hypoxia, or ischemia, strategies for treatment include ensuring adequate oxygenation to the brain and reducing cellular injury. A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials HBO2 for TBI (of all severities) concluded that HBO2 may reduce the risk of death and improve the level of consciousness in TBI patients, but there is no evidence to support that HBO2 improves their quality of life. The FDA issued a statement in August 2013 that HBO2 treatment hasn’t been clinically proven for a number of conditions, including brain injury.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Summary, PDF [214 KB]
- Hyperbaric Oxygen for Traumatic Brain Injury: State of the Science, PDF [296 KB]
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Clarification of the neuropathological and clinical presentation of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is critical for determining if there are clinical and pathological stages of progression, relating pathology to clinical symptoms, identifying risk factors, and developing interventions to prevent onset or spread of symptoms and pathology. The purpose of this research review is to summarize the available peer-reviewed scientific literature regarding the definition, epidemiology, risk factors, pathology and clinical manifestations for CTE. A list of specific gaps in our understanding of the disease is provided that, if addressed, could inform the most appropriate prevention recommendations and allow clinicians to more effectively diagnose, manage and treat CTE.
Multiple Traumatic Brain Injury / Multiple Concussion
Prior history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) may predispose an individual to increased risk of subsequent TBI, which may result from less force, and lengthier recovery from postinjury symptoms. Activities such as contact sports and military service carry particular risk for multiple TBI. In addition to acute postinjury difficulties, cumulative TBI may increase the risk of chronic cognitive and functional impairment. Conservative management of postinjury symptoms as part of a medically monitored, progressive plan for returning to activities is recommended for individuals with a history of TBI.