Current Management and Future Challenges of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Dear Colleagues,

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability across the globe. A severe TBI (sTBI) results in not only a loss of life, but is associated with a tremendous burden to the family and society, having been found to be highest in incidence in underdeveloped and developing countries. The cost associated with the lifetime management of TBI patients is estimated to be approximately $800 billion dollar in the United States alone in the year of 2012. Recommendations from numerous societies, most importantly from the Brain Injury Foundation, provide guidelines for the management of sTBIs to improve patients’ outcomes. These recommendations are based on evidence collected from the research and opinions of experts in the field.

Advances in technology in clinical management not only provided a better understanding of structural changes associated with the sTBI, but also guided us to provide numerous new interventions in the management of sTBIs. For example, advancements in neuroimaging, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans, and diffusion scans of the brain provide better understandings of injury location and morphology that can then guide further management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based and positron emission tomography (PET)-based advanced neuroimaging studies can provide information regarding the physiological and functional changes that occur after the TBI. These advanced diagnostic modalities can provide further clues of changes at the microstructural level. Active research in biomarkers will further enhance the existing knowledge of sTBIs that may further refine the interventions in TBIs. Currently, old interventions, for example, decompressive craniectomy, regain momentum in the armamentarium of the management of sTBIs. It is also a heavily discussed topic of any neurosurgical conference. Two major randomized trials on decompressive craniectomy provided conflicting mortality outcomes. The reason for the variability in the results may be the selection of patients and the different timing of decompressive craniectomy. The high-level research can find certain patient populations that may benefit from the interventions. One of the challenges of performing research is the heterogeneity of injuries associated with TBIs. Therefore, the enrollment of patients to a sizable sample in any prospective trial can be a barrier. Finding ways to overcome challenges can be very valuable in advancing the existing knowledge within the field of sTBIs.   

Our journal is calling for papers in the field of sTBI management to address these issues and possible solutions. Our goal is to invite experts in the field of TBIs to share evidence resulting from robust research in the field of TBIs. The purpose of this Special Issue is to keep abreast healthcare providers with the new information that will be helpful to improve survival probability and reduce morbidity. We would like authors to look for not only a short-term mortality outcome, but also a long-term quality of life. This Special Issue will concentrate on different aspects, from innovative preventive measures to new diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. We also encourage authors to identify new modalities in the brain injury rehabilitation field.

All submitted manuscripts will undergo the usual peer-review process. Once accepted, it will be published in the Journal of Medicina in a Special Issue. Authors are advised to make notes in the cover letter regarding the submission of the manuscript on the Special Issue topic “Current Management and Future Challenges of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury”. The journal will accept manuscripts from 1st July 2024, and the last date of submission will be 31st March 2025.

Dr. Nasim Ahmed
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• severe traumatic brain injury
• computed tomography
• magnetic resonance imaging
• decompressive craniectomy
• neurosurgical
• trauma surgery
• Surgical critical care
• acute care surgery