Traumatic brain injury and hypopituitarism

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury is a common lesion occurring during trauma, especially in young adults. Among all the complications it can cause there is hypopituitarism, an important syndrome, which can delay growth and development in children, and compromise the quality of life of anyone affected. It is usually underdiagnosed and, therefore, undertreated. Through a quick evaluation of the serum hormones involved in a head injury, it is possible to determine those which will need a more thorough investigation, and leading possibly to hormonal replacement. Treatment should be started in those who show no recovery from a severe or multiple hormonal deficiency after three months of follow-up, and those with no recovery from a light or single hormonal deficiency after one year of follow-up.