Mild TBI

1. What is the definition of mild TBI?
2. What are signs and symptoms of mild TBI?
3. What is the prognosis of mild TBI?
4. What is postconcussive syndrome?
5. What is the pharmacological treatment for postconcussive syndrome?

Answers:
1. Any physiologic disruption of brain function with at least 1/4 manifestations: any LOC less than 30 min, any loss of memory for events before/after injury, any alteration of mental status at time of injury lasting <24hrs,>12.
2. Headache (most common), dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, blurred vision, altered taste/smell, insomnia, sleep disturbances, fatigue, sensory impairments, attention/concentration deficits, slowed mental processing, memory impairment, lability, irritability, depression, anxiety.
3. Most have good recovery within 1-3 months.
4. Postconcussive syndrome is when symptoms persist and social/vocational difficulties occur that are out of proportion to severity of injury.
5. Antidepressants and psychostimulants.