What is being tested in our Traumatic Brain Injury testing panels?
What is Traumatic Brain Injury testing?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) testing is a part of the diagnostic and treatment process for TBI. TBI is particularly prominent among athletes, veterans, and survivors of automobile accidents. However, they are not uncommon among other members of the population. Any substantial trauma to the head may lead to TBI and its host of lifelong symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate as many as 5.3 million Americans live with a permanent TBI-related disability. TBI survivors often experience memory loss, mood swings, dizziness, confusion, and speech difficulties. New TBI symptoms may manifest years after the traumatic event, and persist perpetually.
Though testing for TBI has long been limited to imaging and sensory function tests, new research has revolutionized the field.
Hormones and TBI
Recent information has spotlighted a hormonal facet of TBI. Dr. Mark Gordon has been at the forefront of these studies. Dr. Gordon has isolated TBI as a causative factor for pituitary hormonal deficiencies. In particular, TBI may result in growth hormone insufficiency. These deficiencies, in turn, contribute to the long-term detrimental effects of brain trauma.
The neurological/hormonal connection is related to the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Together, these two structures are instrumental in whole-body health and hormonal levels. As a result, damage to these areas, such as through a TBI, has far-reaching consequences.
Treatment
Integrating these hormonal concerns has become a newfound concern for TBI treatment. As many TBI symptoms mimic PTSD, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, many traditional PTSD treatments are used for those with TBI. However, these treatments have proved ineffectual. The pituitary dysfunction of TBI renders traditional hormonal supplementation unsuccessful.
Dr. Gordon's work addresses the specific pituitary concerns of TBI. TBI hormonal testing is a cornerstone of Dr. Gordon's approach. With a full medical history, detailed physical examination, and in-depth TBI testing panels, Dr. Gordon's methods assess the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
What is measured in a TBI panel?
TBI tests measure the hormones most affected by traumatic injury to the brain: the hypothalamus-pituitary hormones. In particular, our TBI panel measures pituitary and thyroid hormones.
Pituitary Hormones
The pituitary gland is responsible for monitoring growth, managing sexual development, and regulating of many of the other glands throughout the body. Pituitary hormones include:
- Growth hormone (GH). A deficiency in growth hormone leads to muscle weakness, fatigue, and metabolic issues. Additionally, many with a GH deficiency socially isolate. This may contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety for those with TBI.
- Sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. As well as regulating reproductive health and fertility, these hormones contribute to energy levels, mood, muscle strength, and mental clarity.
- Pregnenolone, the precursor for steroid hormones. Pregnenolone insufficiencies negatively affect memory, mood, and other cognitive functions.
- Cortisol. Cortisol, the "stress hormone," plays an integral role in energy, metabolism, mood, and sleep. Imbalanced cortisol levels may be partially responsible for the anxiety, depression, and insomnia typified in TBI.
Thyroid Hormones
TBI may be connected to hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormones shape metabolism and the production of insulin and glucose. Hypothyroidism has a transformative effect on muscle development, weight gain, and temperature control.
Along with insulin, TBI panels test for thyroid hormones thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
How does TBI testing contribute to treatment?
TBI testing is integral to Dr. Gordon's approach. Alongside a physical examination and a detailed personal history, TBI testing is necessary for TBI diagnosis and management. TBI varies substantially in severity and symptoms. In-depth hormonal data is needed to create the necessary personalized treatment. With this testing, patients may be able to address hormonal insufficiencies and improve quality of life.
Additionally, our TBI blood tests are an effective method for monitoring several key hormones in a single panel. Its efficacy and accessibility make early detection of TBI-related hormonal imbalances a reality.
This treatment can transform the lives of those with TBI. Dr. Gordon believes that TBI contributes to the rate of depression and suicide in veterans. He suggests that many TBI symptoms expressed by returning soldiers are misdiagnosed as PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and poor working memory. TBI hormonal treatments are a potential outlet for mitigating the veteran health crisis. Likewise, TBI may be responsible for the aggressive behavior, emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and suicidal tendencies of former athletes. Dr. Gordon's comprehensive testing and treatment process may benefit all who currently suffer from unanswered TBI symptoms.
What is the testing process?
Access Medical Labs leads the industry in turn-around time and efficacy. All blood samples must be collected at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital. Once your sample is received in our laboratory, our team of highly-trained lab technologists will analyze the sample and send the results to you within 24 hours.
To request TBI testing administered by Dr. Gordon, click here.
For more information, visit Dr. Gordon’s TBI website.
