Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
08:27

Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: April 11, 2025

Weight gain after childhood traumatic brain injury: a matter of concern

Claire Jourdan1, Dominique Brugel, Katelyne Hubeaux

  • 1AP-HP, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Garches, France. claire.jourdan@rpc.aphp.fr

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|April 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children experience rapid weight gain after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Male sex and mobility issues are linked to excessive weight gain in pediatric TBI patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric neurology
  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Child health

Background:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can significantly impact a child's physical recovery.
  • Weight changes and associated factors post-TBI require thorough investigation for optimal patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate weight changes in children during the first year following a traumatic brain injury.
  • To identify factors influencing weight fluctuations and BMI z-score evolution after pediatric TBI.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal observational study tracked 39 children with mixed-severity TBI over one year.
  • Monthly weight and height measurements were used to calculate BMI and z-scores.
  • Linear mixed-effect models analyzed factors affecting z-score changes.

Main Results:

  • Children exhibited initial weight loss followed by rapid weight gain, with a mean BMI gain of 0.9 kg/m².
  • Increased z-scores were associated with mobility restrictions, male sex, and older age.
  • Six children became overweight, and males showed significantly higher weight gain.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric TBI is associated with rapid and potentially excessive weight gain in the first year.
  • Male sex is identified as a risk factor for accelerated weight gain post-TBI.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury09:49

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: January 20, 2023

A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)07:01

A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)

Published on: February 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Traumatic Memory01:20

Traumatic Memory

Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder01:27

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...