The impact of traumatic brain injury on pituitary function

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2013 Sep;42(3):565-83. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2013.05.003.

Abstract

It is paramount that clinicians who care for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at any point in time, including neurosurgeons, rehabilitation physicians, internists, neurologists, and endocrinologists, are aware of the prevalence of posttraumatic hypopituitarism and its impacts on acute and long-term recovery. This article reviews the natural history, pathophysiology, and presenting features of hypopituitarism occurring after TBI. Proposed methodologies for screening, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment are discussed, as well as the effect of hormone replacement therapy on clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Hormone replacement therapy; Hypopituitarism; Neurocognitive impairment; Outcome; Pathophysiology; Screening; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism / physiopathology*