Psychological and neuropsychological integration in multidisciplinary pain management after TBI

The intersection of traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic chronic pain poses a significant challenge for the health practitioner. Effective intervention requires psychological and neuropsychological evaluation, multidisciplinary teamwork, and an understanding of a wide range of pain disorders and their relationship to traumatic brain injury. Assessment must include documentation of both current functioning and premorbid history. Pain interacts with cognitive impairment, mood and anxiety disorders, dysinhibition syndromes, and personality disorders, posing significant diagnostic dilemmas and treatment challenges. Coordinated care requires multiple, ongoing interventions from a variety of specialists. Patient involvement, focusing on internal locus of control, mediates successful treatment.