A Review of Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public-health problem affecting persons of all ages, with the youngest and oldest populations being the most vulnerable. Symptoms of moderate or severe TBI are likely to persist long-term, resulting in significant disability and affecting physical, cognitive, behavioral, and functional domains. Acute care management includes patient stabilization and prevention of secondary brain injury. Pharmacologic management of TBI includes reduction of intracranial pressure, coagulopathy, and neuropsychiatric care ( seizure occurrence, cognitive disturbances). Fall-risk assessment and other educational programs are recommended in all settings. In acute and primary care settings, pharmacists may assist patients and providers with TBI management.