Implications and Pathophysiology of Neuroinflammation in Pediatric Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: An Updated Review

Authors

Shalin S Shah
Arya J Shetty
David T Johnston
Caroline L Hanan
Brendan T O'Reilly
Max A Skibber
Ahmed T Massoud
Banghe Zhu
Eva M Sevick-Muraca
Jenifer Juranek
Charles S Cox
Manish N Shah

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Abstract

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in children is a profound public health issue with the potential to disrupt cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial development significantly. This review provides an updated examination of the role of neuroinflammation in pediatric TBI, emphasizing its dual impact on injury progression and recovery. Highlighted is the complex interplay of primary and secondary injury mechanisms, including the critical contributions of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by central and peripheral immune cells. Advances in biomarker identification and imaging techniques are discussed, showcasing how tools like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and positron emission tomography (PET) enhance our understanding of neuroinflammatory processes. The review also explores current therapeutic strategies targeting neuroinflammation, underscoring emerging treatments such as pharmacologic agents that modulate immune responses and novel therapies like stem cell interventions. This comprehensive review seeks to deepen the understanding of neuroinflammation's pathophysiological roles in pediatric TBI and propose directions for future clinical and research efforts.

Keywords

traumatic brain injury, pediatric TBI, neuroinflammation, biomarkers, neuroimaging, brain injury

DOI

10.3389/fnins.2025.1587222

PMID

40303612

PMCID

PMC12037507

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

4-15-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes