neuropsychological symptoms

Functional cognitive impairment (FCI) post-mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) presents a significant challenge, often manifesting subtle symptoms that persist well beyond the healing of physical injuries. The primary causative factor is the brain trauma itself, which disrupts normal cognitive functioning and is exacerbated by metacognitive impairments, psychological factors such as depression and anxiety, and physical symptoms like fatigue and headache. Despite normal results on traditional neuropsychological tests, affected individuals may struggle with daily cognitive tasks, impacting their quality of life. While treatment options like transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive rehabilitation programs show promise, the prognosis for FCI varies widely, dependent on several factors including the severity of the initial injury and individual health conditions. Emerging research using techniques like [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) offers new insights into prognosis, enhancing understanding and management of FCI.