Link Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Gains Greater Clinical Attention

METAIRIE, LA, UNITED STATES, April 10, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Clinical findings are reinforcing a significant correlation between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—two conditions often treated independently but now recognized for their frequent coexistence. In fact, Dr. Mark Gordon with Millennium Health Centers has addressed this relationship. He has described the normally functioning brain as having a neuroprotective environment.

The neurological damage of a TBI and the psychological distress of PTSD originate from the same mechanism: disruption of the neuroprotective environment. Dr. Gordon explains further that symptoms such as memory impairment, emotional dysregulation, irritability, sleep disturbances, and concentration issues are a result of TBI alone. He believes PTSD is merely a mislabeling of the results of TBI. As a representative of Millennium Health Centers, it seems a reasonable assumption that if you can't tell the problems apart then one may be mislabeled.

Chris Rue, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of MOPE Clinic in Metairie, Louisiana, emphasizes that "TBI symptoms are more common than previously understood. Trauma to the brain doesn’t just affect memory or motor function—it can amplify or even mask psychological stress responses,” said Rue.

Shared Symptoms, Different Origins
TBI occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This may result from falls, car accidents, blast injuries, or contact sports. There is also a disruption in the neuroprotective environment due to experiencing or witnessing life-threatening or traumatic events.

There is a growing field of evidence that neuropsychological fallout from both may manifest in similar ways. Thus, the question; Have TBI's been mislabeled as PTSD?

Common symptoms include:

Short-term memory deficits

Difficulty concentrating

Mood swings or heightened emotional reactivity

Sleep disruption or nightmares

Increased startle response or hypervigilance

Social withdrawal or detachment

Neurological and Psychological Interplay
Emerging research suggests that brain regions affected by trauma—such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—are critical in regulating both cognitive function and emotional response. This neurological overlap can cause trauma-related brain injuries to influence how symptoms manifest.

People with physical damage from TBI may also develop reduced executive function and impulse control may impair the brain’s ability to process and manage fear or stress.

Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges
The challenge for healthcare providers lies in correctly identifying which symptoms belong to which condition—or whether they are the result of both. Standard diagnostic tools often do not capture the presence of TBI symptoms. In fact, imaging studies of TBI cases are unable to identify TBI.

For example, a patient with impaired memory may struggle to recall trauma-related events, complicating PTSD diagnosis. Likewise, sleep disturbances or mood instability may be misattributed to psychological trauma when the underlying cause is actually neurological.

Rue highlights the importance of integrated care models. “TBI and PTSD are often linked in both cause and consequence. A siloed approach risks missing essential aspects of the patient’s experience,” said Rue.

Military and Civilian Implications
The co-occurrence of TBI and PTSD is especially prevalent among military personnel, law enforcement officers, and first responders, but civilian populations are also significantly impacted. In cases of car accidents, assaults, or natural disasters, the potential for dual injury—both physical and emotional—should be taken seriously by providers and support systems alike.

Veterans, in particular, often face the combined effects of blast-related brain injuries and prolonged psychological trauma. When one diagnosis is prioritized over the other, symptoms may persist or worsen, creating additional barriers to rehabilitation, employment, and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Treatment Approaches
Optimal care for patients with overlapping TBI and PTSD symptoms requires a multidisciplinary strategy. In addition to neurorehabilitation and psychological therapy, treatment plans may include:

Cognitive behavioral interventions targeting both trauma and attention/executive function

Comprehensive lab testing.
Medication management tailored to address both mood and neurological symptoms

Physical therapy for postural and motor challenges

Occupational therapy to assist with routine activities and memory compensation strategies

Sleep hygiene support and nutritional counseling to stabilize mood and recovery

Each patient’s profile will require individual evaluation. Collaboration between neurology, psychiatry, primary care, and rehabilitative therapy is increasingly recommended.

Increasing Awareness in Clinical Settings
Recognition of the connection between TBI and PTSD is expanding among medical providers, but greater awareness remains needed in emergency care, primary care, and mental health settings. Comprehensive patient history, trauma-informed assessment, and continued education for clinicians play a vital role in improving outcomes.

Chris Rue and the MOPE Clinic team are contributing to this effort through evidence-informed protocols that prioritize both neurological and emotional health. The clinic continues to evaluate strategies that offer more nuanced care, particularly in complex or treatment-resistant cases.

About MOPE Clinic

MOPE Clinic, located in Metairie, Louisiana, provides clinical evaluation and treatment for patients dealing with complex mental and physical health concerns. Founded by Chris Rue, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, the clinic offers personalized care strategies grounded in science and tailored to each patient’s functional goals.

Morgan Thomas
Rhino Digital, LLC
+1 504-875-5036
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook