Bipolar disorder after traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with no psychiatric antecedents who developed manic and depressive symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods and results. Findings on neurobehavioral examination, neuropsychological test battery, electrophysiological and imaging exams suggested the presence of a diffuse cerebral injury with a predominance of left fronto-temporal findings. Conclusions. This case demonstrates that TBI may cause vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, with long latency periods, and that its course may be independent of cognitive impairment and recovery.

• Bipolar disorder
• cognitive dysfunction
• traumatic brain injury

We thank Dr Eduard Vieta for his helpful advice.