Citation

Jagnoor J, Cameron ID. Aust. Fam. Physician 2014; 43(11): 758-763.

Affiliation

BDS, MPH, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

25393460

Abstract

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. Pa-tients 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.

DISCUSSION: 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.

Language: en