Changes in sexual functioning following traumatic brain injury: An overview on a neglected issue. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Latella, Desiree; Maggio, Maria Grazia; De Luca, Rosaria; Maresca, Giuseppa; Piazzitta, Denise; Sciarrone, Francesca; Carioti, Luigi; Manuli, Alfredo; Bramanti, Placido; Calabro, Rocco Salvatore
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical neuroscience. Volume 58(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: TBI -- Quality of life -- Sexual dysfunction -- Erectile dysfunction; Brain -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Brain -- surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosurgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.09.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-5868

Abstract

Highlights: Sexuality has a significant impact on interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being. Up to 50% of patients with moderate to severe TBI report sexual problems. Sexual disorders in TBI are closely dependent on the damaged brain area. TBI patients and their caregivers should be provided with information useful to achieve a better sexual health. Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any damage to the skull and/or the brain and its frameworks due to an external force. Following TBI, patients may report cognitive, physiological and psychosocial changes with a devastating impact on important aspects of the patient's life, such as sexual functioning. Although sexual dysfunction (SD) occurs at a significantly greater frequency in individuals with TBI, it is not commonly assessed in the clinical setting and little information is available on this crucial aspect of patients' quality of life. As the number of people with TBI is on the rise, there is a need for better management of TBI problems, including SD, by providing information to patients and their caregivers to achieve sexual health, with a consequent increase in their quality of life. Discussing and treating sexual problems in TBI patients enters the framework of a holistic approach. The purpose of this narrative review is provide clinicians with information concerning changes in sexual functioning and relationships in individuals with TBI, for a better management of patient's functional outcomes and quality of life.