Over the last several years, traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been thrust into the forefront of the consciousness of the medical community and the general public. This is in large part due to recent combat operations and subsequent recognition of this potentially “silent injury.” Fortunately, TBI has been studied for decades in the academic medical world. This foundation of knowledge guides current diagnostics and interventions.
TBI produces a complex constellation of medical consequences including physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive deficits. The impact is heterogeneous given the varied types of injury (closed, penetrating, blast), severity, comorbid conditions, and premorbid characteristics. Furthermore, when assessing and supporting recovery, the practitioner must consider the profound impact psychosocial factors have on recovery.
