Sexual and hypothalamic dysfunction in the postconcussional syndrome

Acta Neurol Scand. 1981 Mar;63(3):169-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1981.tb00769.x.

Abstract

Nineteen males with a well-developed postconcussional syndrome were studied by CT-scan, by psychometric testing and by endocrinological evaluation including a variety of laboratory tests and an assessment of sexual function, 68% had cerebral atrophy on CT-scan and 79% were intellectually impaired, 37% to a severe degree. Sexual dysfunction (reduced libido and/or erective dysfunction) related to the head injury occurred in 58%, and severe intellectual impairment was significantly more frequent in this group. Increased plasma concentration of follicle stimulating hormone was observed in 37%, suggesting a reduced spermiogenesis. The possibility of a primary hypothalamic disorder causing reduced spermiogenesis is raised. Otherwise no radiological or laboratory evidence of major hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction was demonstrated. The high frequency of cerebral atrophy and intellectual deterioration in postconcussional syndrome suggests organic brain dysfunction, but not causal relationship was established.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / blood
  • Adult
  • Atrophy / etiology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Concussion / blood
  • Brain Concussion / complications*
  • Brain Concussion / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology*
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology*
  • Syndrome
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone