Pathophysiology of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is initiated by mechanical forces to the head that disrupt neurological function. Pathophysiology may begin immediately with the mechanical forces or evolve as an indirect response in an attempt to alleviate damage. In both instances, pathophysiology can develop into transient and/or persistent clinical symptoms after TBI. The magnitude and duration of pathophysiology and resultant symptoms may differ with injury severity, but hallmark pathophysiological processes are similar across the diversity of TBI. In this chapter, we introduce the common pathophysiology after diffuse TBI as a means to appreciate the complexity of injury, damage, repair, and recovery of injured tissue. Understanding the pathophysiology underlying clinical symptoms can guide therapeutic targets and treatment pathways to mitigate negative outcomes after TBI.