Eating disorders in patients with traumatic brain injury: a report of four cases

NeuroRehabilitation. 2010;27(2):113-6. doi: 10.3233/NRE-2010-0586.

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to changes in eating behavior patterns with significant clinical manifestations.

Methods: Medical records of four patients with severe TBI and eating disorders attending the neurorehabilitation program of our brain injury unit were reviewed.

Conclusions: Several eating disorders observed among the four cases, may be present from early phases and remain years after the lesion. Symptoms do not adhere to the typical forms of anorexia and bulimia. Factors influencing the weight changes experienced by patients with brain injury included reduction in physical activity, metabolic disorders and treatment with psychotropic drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Weight* / drug effects
  • Brain Injuries / psychology*
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Cognition*
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs