Dear Colleagues,

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents in the form of concussion, hemorrhage, contusion, penetrating injury, and diffuse axonal injury, with all types of injury being seen with any injury mechanism. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is widely used to grade the severity of TBI, although the correlation between severity and prognosis is not always exact. Neurosurgical intervention is reserved for instances in which a structural anomaly is present in the context of a survivable/salvageable injury.

The effects off TBI, even mild, can be chronic and require intervention from multiple professions. These effects are now known to be due to the multiple disrupted molecular networks and axonal injury. Over the years, extensive research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of TBI has suggested various pharmacological treatments to ameliorate the long-standing complications of this disease, some of which has been corroborated by human trials. Research in animal models and humans have also revealed various clinical interventions that lead to improved outcomes.

In this issue, we will explore advances in the understanding of TBI as well as its treatment from both a basic and clinical science perspective, taking into account their impact on morbidity and mortality. We will also consider the post-acute care of these patients and their journeys to regain a normal, functional, quality of life. 

Dr. Brandon Lucke-Wold and Dr.  Ogaga Urhie

Guest Editors