ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury represents a significant public health problem. The importance of this problem derives from high incidence rates, young previously healthy adults comprising a large proportion of those injured and the possibility of persistent functional limitations in survivors. In this article, brain injury epidemiology is summarized, and differences of brain injury between pediatric and elderly persons are emphasized. Traumatic brain injury has been classified by various variables. Underlying physiologic and chemical mechanisms for secondary brain injury regarding strategies and research to minimize this injury are reviewed. Variables that affect outcome after acquired brain injury are described, and the outcome tools most appropriate for the patient populations are discussed. In addition, this article focuses on new neuro-imaging techniques and their potential clinical applications in patients with traumatic brain injury.