THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY - A NARRATIVE REVIEW.
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All Authors
Mavroudis, I.
Bild, W.
Petridis, F.
Chatzikonstantinou, S.
Kazis, D.
Dascalescu, G.
Ciobica, A.
Petroaie, A.D.
Gorgan, D.L.
Ababei, D.C.
LTHT Author
Mavroudis, Ioannis
LTHT Department
Neurosciences
Neurology
Neurology
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Review
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents one of the most prevalent neurological conditions worldwide, yet its long-term consequences remain incompletely understood. Growing evidence suggests that inflammation plays a crucial role in both the acute and chronic phases of mTBI, linking neuroimmune processes to symptom persistence and the risk of secondary pathologies. This narrative review aims to provide an updated synthesis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in mTBI, with a particular focus on neuroinflammation, systemic cytokine dynamics and their association with injury severity and chronic outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major biomedical databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, to identify relevant experimental and clinical studies published in the last two decades. Emphasis was placed on reports addressing systemic and central inflammatory markers, microglial activation and therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation in mTBI. Evidence demonstrates that systemic cytokines are significantly elevated following mTBI, with some persisting up to one year post-injury. Microglia emerge as a central modulator of neuroinflammation due to their plasticity and multifactorial repertoire, while astrocytes, peripheral immune cells and endothelial components also contribute to the inflammatory cascade. The interplay between systematic and central responses appears to influence both symptom duration and long-term neurological risk. Understanding the inflammatory response in mTBI highlights the urgent need for novel and selective anti-inflammatory therapies. Targeted interventions hold promise not only for improving acute recovery but also for preventing chronic neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative sequelae in patients with mTBI.
Journal
Farmacia