Neuropsychological and Psychosocial Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Majority of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors in addition to neurological deficits also suffer from neuropsychological and psychosocial Sequelae. Emotional instability, slowed thinking, personality changes, deficits in memory, attention, concentration and intelligence, selfawareness and motivational problems are some of the neuropsychol sequelae of TBI. Reactions of family members to the TBI survivor, social breakdown, employment problems and life satisfaction are some of the psychosocial consequences of TBI. The time course for recovery from such consequences and their management are reviewed. Rehabilitation of the TBI survivor is a major challenge. Pharmacological treatment includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants, Controlled treatment trials for TBI are lacking. Non pharmacological treatments including psychotherapy and behavior therapy are also useful. Family and individual counseling can greatly help the patient and the family reconcile themselves to the reality of the behavioral changes in the patient post-TBI.