Researchers from Mass General Brigham have presented important findings in a new review paper. They have clarified the long-term links between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cardiovascular disease. The review paper highlights a number of variables that could be responsible for this connection. These aspects include changes in the brain-gut axis, neuroinflammation, and the emergence of post-injury comorbidities.
These factors may elevate the risk of cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction in TBI survivors compared to the general population. The Lancet Neurology study emphasises the importance of future cardiovascular research, surveillance, and intervention in TBI survivors. First author Saef Izzy, MD, MBChB, of the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center of Brigham and Women's Hospital, said, "Despite decades of extensive traumatic brain injury focused research, surprisingly, there has been minimal progress in mitigating long-term outcomes and mortality following injuries.
