Citation

Valente SM, Fisher D. J. Nurse Pract. 2011; 7(10): 863-870.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.09.016

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Nurse practitioners have a major role to play in the detection and diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can be challenging if symptoms appear after the injury but go unrecognized. TBI should be considered when the patient reports a possible brain injury or experiences driving, sports, assault, falls, injuries, and combat. Recognizing the broad spectrum of symptoms will help NPs remain alert to the possibility of a TBI. Because symptoms are diverse and patients may not realize that the brain was injured, clinicians need a high index of suspicion. Early identification can improve treatment effectiveness, rehabilitation, and prognosis.