Citation

Neurosurg. Focus 2018; 45(6): E16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Association of Neurological Surgeons)

DOI

10.3171/2018.9.FOCUS18369

PMID

30544324

Abstract

The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been demonstrated in various studies with respect to prevalence, morbidity, and mortality data. Many of the patients burdened with long-term sequelae of TBI are veterans. Although fewer in number, female veterans with TBI have been suggested to suffer from unique physical, mental, and social challenges. However, there remains a significant knowledge gap in the sex differences in TBI. Increased female representation in the military heralds an increased risk of TBI for female soldiers, and medical professionals must be prepared to address the unique health challenges in the face of changing demographics among the veteran TBI population. In this review, the authors aimed to present the current understanding of sex differences in TBI in the veteran population and suggest directions for future investigations.

Language: en

Keywords

DOD = Department of Defense; ICP = intracranial pressure; PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder; TBI = traumatic brain injury; VA = Veterans Affairs; concussion; female veteran; review; sex; traumatic brain injury