[Advance in animal models of traumatic brain injury]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a highly complex multi-factorial disorder. Animal models of TBI are used to elucidate primary and secondary injury mechanisms and pathophysiological changes and to provide the diagnostic and therapeutical basis for TBI. The choices of animal models depend upon the research objectives. However, various animal models have limitations. The models only can duplicate the pivotal injury mechanisms or a certain important pathophysiological course. The characteristics of human TBI can not fully be reflected by using these models. In the review, animal models of traumatic brain injury are classified as dynamic direct brain injury, indirect dynamic brain injury and combined neuro-traumatic models. Several common models are described for consideration.