Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Course overview

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is a publication that thoroughly yet concisely summarizes a large volume of data available on mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). It begins with a review of the various diagnostic criteria from multiples sources and includes definitions or descriptions of all criteria. The publication includes an in-depth review of the epidemiology of mTBIs in civilians, athletes, and military personnel. Most mTBIs are civilian and are typically young children and older people; other risk factors have been identified such as being male, substance abuse, and body size. Athletes who sustain mTBIs are typically younger and healthier than civilians and are involved in certain contact sports. Military personnel also tend to be younger and healthier than civilians, many of the mTBIs are due to blast-type injuries. Most people will recover in a few days; however, as the author describes, there can be many complicating factors, including psychological trauma associated with the cause of the mTBI. For example, a member of the military who suffers an mTBI after a bomb explodes may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and this can inhibit recovery from the mTBI. Much research has been done evaluating athletes and military personnel for recover in particular as they will likely be returning to the same activity that put them at risk in the first place. Neuropsychological testing has been designed and utilized in order to help determine if there are any persisting symptoms. This is an imperfect method but can become more valuable if there is a baseline test score for each individual. The publication has a strong focus on sports-related mTBIs and summarizes some of the measures being taken to prevent mTBIs as well as sideline testing for concussion management and testing prior to return to sport. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can occur from repetitive mTBIs and result in dementia later in life. The author utilizes hundreds of evidence-based research, much of it published within the past ten years. He also cites many well-known organizations to support his in-depth review.