Pituitary dysfunction in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury accounts for approximately 10% of patients attending the accident and emergency department and occurs in about 200-450 people per 100,000 of the population. Head injuries vary in severity and can have a number of consequences beyond the initial accident. These involve problems with cognition, seizures, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal problems and also neuroendocrine dysfunction. ‘Neuroendocrine’ means problems with the endocrine (or hormone) system that originate from the brain " possibly the Pituitary gland or Hypothalamus.

Neuroendocrine problems are mainly due to pituitary dysfunction. These can be due to alteration in the acute phase (first few hours and days), with temporary changes in blood hormone levels. These early changes usually correct with time and post injury medical management. There is also evidence that long-term neuroendocrine dysfunction resulting from permanent damage at pituitary or hypothalamic level can occur during a traumatic brain injury.

A number of trials worldwide have looked at this issue and there is no clear consensus in the medical literature how common pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction occurs, in patients following traumatic brain injury. It is observed, that it is more common in severe traumatic brain injury.

As traumatic brain injury is common, but pituitary dysfunction following this is a rare but serious consequence, we would advise that you contact your general practitioner if you have any concerns regarding this. Your GP may consider referral to an Endocrinologist if appropriate.

To learn about the symptoms of pituitary dysfunction, please see our Pituitary Overview page.

For information and support for Traumatic Brian Injury - www.headway.org.uk

Pituitary Infarction

If the blood supply to the pituitary is restricted, the gland tissue can die resulting in hypopituitarism. Infarctions can occur as a result of impaired blood flow to the pituitary gland or head trauma.

Sheehan's Syndrome

The pituitary gland doubles in size during normal pregnancy. Under these circumstances a sudden drop in blood pressure can result in pituitary infarction leading to pan-hypopituitarism.

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