Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Neurocognitive Disorder

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Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Neurocognitive Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder caused by an impact to the head or other mechanism of brain injury, leading to cognitive decline.

Overview

Traumatic brain injury-related neurocognitive disorder, a form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder, develops following an impact to the head or other mechanism of traumatic brain injury, with cognitive symptoms persisting beyond the acute injury period.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include difficulty with attention and concentration, memory problems, slowed processing speed, and, in some cases, changes in mood or personality. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The condition results from structural brain injury caused by trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or other impact to the head.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive rehabilitation therapy has evidence supporting its use in improving functioning after traumatic brain injury.

Living With Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Neurocognitive Disorder

A gradual, medically guided return to normal activities, including work or school, supports recovery.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Outlook

Many individuals see improvement over the months following injury, particularly with early rehabilitation; some effects may be longer-lasting after more severe injuries.

Related Conditions

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

A progressive brain condition associated with repeated head impacts, currently diagnosable with certainty only after death, involving changes in mood, behavior, and cognition.

Major Neurocognitive Disorder

A condition (formerly called dementia) involving significant decline in one or more cognitive domains that interferes with independence in everyday activities.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institutes of Health.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.