Traumatic brain injury--support for injured people and their carers

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of lifelong disability and death worldwide, but is considered a 'silent epidemic' as society is largely unaware of the magnitude of the problem. TBI is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. Patients with a TBI may have a range of physical, mental, cognitive and social problems.

This article provides a summary of the available evidence for assessing TBI and managing the common mental health, physical and cognitive/behavioural issues associated with TBI.

Translational and clinical research has revealed that TBI can no longer be regarded as a single clinical entity with a defined outcome. Each type of injury can lead to a distinct clinical condition that requires careful assessment and appropriate management to reduce long-term disability. In this article we discuss some of the more common health issues related to TBI.