Traumatic brain injury and neuro-endocrine disruption: medical and psychosocial rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) initiates a cascade of neuromodulatory damage that blurs the distinctions between physical and psychological medicine. Monitoring endocrine function through labs is not part of the medical care algorithm for treatment of TBI, but the clinical symptoms are easily misidentified as they include: depression, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability and a decline in overall cognitive functioning. The reciprocal flow of change between neuroendocrine health and psychosocial health is well established within the field of neuroscience, social psychology, endocrinology and behavioral neurology, but has not translated into patient care.

OBJECTIVES: This paper outlines common neuroendocrine disruptions secondary to TBI and their clinical implications for treating mental health professionals.

CONCLUSION: Wider adoption of the consensus guidelines on the detection and monitoring of endocrine abnormalities post-TBI may diminish the severity of functional impairment and improve quality of life.