Neuropsychiatric sequelae of traumatic brain injury

SUMMARY This article gives an overview of the most common neuropsychiatric sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and discusses new perspectives on terminology for describing persisting symptoms after concussion. Psychiatrists may encounter patients who have sustained TBIs in a variety of settings, including in the out-patient clinic, in-patient services and when preparing expert psychiatric reports, especially in personal injury cases. TBI is a medical condition diagnosed by a brain injury expert such as a neurologist, neuropsychologist, neuropsychiatrist or neurosurgeon. Neuropsychiatric sequelae may occur following TBI and affect prognosis and treatment needs. This article explores the causes of TBI, its clinical presentation and guidelines for grading severity and considers the neuropsychiatric sequelae that can occur, including persisting symptoms after concussion.