Veterans with Blast Exposure TBI May Have Unrecognized Pituitary Dysfunction

Findings presented at the 2014 joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society in Chicago showed how soldiers who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blast exposure commonly have pituitary hormone dysfunction, which can occur even without mechanical head trauma and can interfere with long-term health and well-being. The study highlights that deficiencies in the pituitary’s growth hormone and testosterone are commonly seen after blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI), especially in patients who are overweight. “Because multiple symptoms common with blast traumatic brain injury are also seen with growth hormone and testosterone deficiencies, perhaps treating these hormone deficiencies will help improve the symptom burden and quality of life for these veterans,” said the study’s lead author. To read more about this study, click here.