Computed tomography imaging of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are frequent and potentially devastating, affecting up to 2 million new victims in the United States each year. Two percent of these people experience persisting or lifelong disability. TBI is complex and highly variable in terms of affected neuroanatomy, functional impairment, and radiographic presentation, and it is the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. It is increasingly recognized as an important indicator of domestic violence victimization. This article introduces the epidemiology, pathobiology and functional brain anatomy, diagnosis, and assessment of TBI. In addition, the role of computed tomography imaging of TBI is detailed.