Metabolic Dysregulation in Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions globally each year, often resulting in long-term health issues or death. While the immediate physical damage caused by these injuries receives much attention, subsequent metabolic changes in the brain are equally vital to recovery but understudied. After TBI, brain energy regulation and consequential metabolic processes are disrupted. This review provides a detailed examination of metabolic alterations following TBI, including glucose and lipid processing disruptions, increased lactate levels, neurotransmitter imbalances, and oxidative stress. These changes can lead to hyper/hypoglycemia, lactate accumulation, chemical imbalances, and heightened oxidative stress, all of which impede recovery. Understanding these biochemical shifts is essential for developing more effective treatments. This review offers a comprehensive overview of brain metabolic changes post-TBI and discusses some promising therapies, including drugs, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments, that could aid recovery and improve the quality of life of those impacted.