Sexuality and intimacy
Sexual dysfunction is a well-known, yet seldom discussed, complication in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is likely because it can be uncomfortable for the patient,…
Substance abuse
Substance abuse disorders are a relatively common occurrence in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. Premorbid rates of substance use are around the same or may even exceed those of…
Behavioral dyscontrol
The term behavioral dyscontrol broadly refers to impairment in one’s ability to self-regulate behavior in response to either internal or external stimuli, typically yielding actions that are impulsive and contextually…
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a: • Serious accident • Sexual assault •…
Mood and anxiety disorders
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in an increased risk for psychiatric illness, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, sleep disorders, and psychosis. As in the general population, mood disorders…
Sleep dysfunction and fatigue
Evaluation of posttraumatic fatigue Introduction • Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms after brain injury (BI); reported rate of fatigue varies. • One study reported fatigue in…
Agitation and restlessness
Agitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a clinical manifestation of the natural recovery process and is often associated with posttraumatic amnesia (PTA). Most definitions denote an excess of behaviors…
Emotional dyscontrol
Emotional dyscontrol encompasses a spectrum of disorders involving aberrant regulation of emotion on a moment-to-moment basis. These conditions typically involve unpredictable and disproportionately intense (relative to the inciting stimulus) emotional…
Neurosensory dysfunction
Neurosensory disorders after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are a complex process, and the pathophysiology is partially understood. TBI can affect all the senses, including hearing, smell, vision, and balance. Hearing…
Cognitive functioning after traumatic brain injury
Cognitive impairments are frequently observed after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can lead to short-term and long-term disability and poor vocational outcomes. Given the implications of cognitive impairments on postinjury…
