10/09/2024
TBI, low T and Dizziness... Is there a connection?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a widespread concern and results in a bunch of symptoms including vestibular impairment (dizziness, vertigo, Meniere's disease etc)
According to 2 new studies closed head injury and TBI may upset the brain's normal endocrine functioning and lead to disruptions in Testosterone production due to an interference in the Hypothalamus- Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis.
In the first study titled "Operator Syndrome " by Christopher Frueh et al. published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine- the authors establish a link between TBI and Low T in special forces operators inside of the military. The authors recommended Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) as a first line treatment in soldiers suffering from TBI
in the second study "Testosterone treatment restores vestibular function by enhancing neuronal survival in an experimental closed head repetitive mild traumatic brain injury model by Eileen Foecking et al the researchers tested the role of testosterone on vestibular function on animals exposed to mild TBI. The study found that TRT enhanced vestibular function.
so in summary, low T counts were found in those that were exposed to TBI or closed head injuries. This is thought to be due to a disruption in the HPA axis.
Those with TBI or closed head injuries and or vestibular disturbances (dizziness) should have their T levels tested and TRT administered if appropriate
