Overview of Neurotrauma and Sensory Loss.

Abstract

Neurotrauma can cause devastating outcomes for patients both from primary as well as secondary injury. Sensory loss following neurotrauma is often overlooked and undermanaged. To gain awareness about this important topic, we highlight key findings of visual, hearing, taste, and smell disturbances that can occur after injury. The pathways are highlighted as well as significant pathophysiology. Both primary disruption as well as secondary disruptions from ongoing inflammation are addressed. The figures are designed to be user friendly guides for the clinician to help manage these patients. In the final section, we address key management strategies and approaches. The strategies deal with multidisciplinary care as well as multimodality treatments. This review serves as a primer for early recognition of deficits and initiation of appropriate treatments.