Secondary Eating Disorder: A Reality? Case Report of Post Brain Injury Sequelae.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of neurological disability.
• Changes in eating behavior patterns are recognized consequences of TBI.
• Alcohol dependence can coexist with TBI, complicating clinical presentation.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male with a history of alcohol dependence sustained a frontal lobe subdural hematoma.
• Post-TBI, the patient exhibited behavioral changes including low frustration tolerance, aggression, disinhibition, apathy, and significant food craving.
• He developed an inability to control food intake upon sight, indicative of an eating disorder.

Findings:

• Neurological examination revealed deficits in frontal lobe functions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed extensive gliosis and encephalomalacia in both frontal lobes.
• The patient's symptoms suggest a link between frontal lobe injury and the development of an eating disorder.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical role of frontal-subcortical circuits in regulating eating habits.
• Understanding these neurobiological mechanisms is crucial for managing TBI-related behavioral and eating disorders.
• Further research into TBI's impact on appetite regulation and impulse control is warranted.