Assessment of neuroendocrine dysfunction following traumatic brain injury.

A screening protocol adapted for selected patients at risk for endocrine problems is described, and physicians should be aware of the importance of neuroendocrine dysfunction following TBI. Posttraumatic neuroendocrine pathology may be a clinically significant complication following traumatic brain injury TBI. Metabolic abnormalities are described after TBI in two cases. A 21 year old male injured in a motor vehicle accident admitted in a minimally responsive condition presented with fluctuating high sodium levels, undetectable serum testosterone, and depressed cortisol and thyroid function. Imaging revealed near complete avulsion of the pituitary stalk leading to panhypopituitarism. A 38 year old male admitted for occipital skull fractures and brain contusions presented with hypona tremia and low serum testosterone. Both patients required hormonal replacement and correction of electrolyte abnormalities. A screening protocol adapted for selected patients at risk for endocrine problems is described. While neuroendocrine screening is not advocated in all TBI patients, physicians should be aware of the importance of neuroendocrine dysfunction following TBI.

TBI Resources for Medical Providers

Frontiers Clinical application of recommendations for neurobehavioral assessment in disorders of consciousness: an interdisciplinary approach

Growth hormone deficiency testing and treatment following mild traumatic brain injury

Frontiers Agitation Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Is a Clinical Sign of Recovery of Consciousness

Frontiers Isolated anterior pituitary dysfunction in adulthood

How Does Brain Trauma Affect Brain Hormones? - Elizabeth Sandel, M.D.

Brain Hypoxia Is Associated With Neuroglial Injury in Humans Post–Cardiac Arrest

Neuroendocrine Dysfunction (NED) Following Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI): Information for the Primary Care Manag

Neuroendocrine Dysfunction in the Acute Setting of Penetrating Brain Injury: A Systematic Review - ScienceDirect

Assessment of neuroendocrine dysfunction following traumatic brain injury.

Metabolic disorders on cognitive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury: Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

PDF) Traumatic Injury to the Brain and Endocrine Evaluation of the Anterior Pituitary a Year After the Event (The TRIBE Study)