Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, 1501 San Pablo Street, ZNI115, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America. Electronic address: [Email]
Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and may be associated with long lasting impairments into adulthood. The multitude of ongoing neurobiological processes that occur during brain maturation confer both considerable vulnerability to TBI but may also provide adaptability and potential for recovery. This review will examine and synthesize our current understanding of developmental neurobiology in the context of pediatric TBI. Delineating this biology will facilitate more targeted initial care, mechanism-based therapeutic interventions and better long-term prognostication and follow-up.