Which deficit is commonly observed as a long-term cognitive consequence of traumatic brain injury?

Which deficit is commonly observed as a long-term cognitive consequence of traumatic brain injury?

• A. Hearing loss
• B. Memory impairment
• C. Heightened sense of smell
• D. Enhanced balance

Answer: (B)

Memory impairment is a common long-term cognitive consequence after a traumatic brain injury. The injury often disrupts memory networks in the brain, including the hippocampus and connected frontal-temporal circuits. This damage, whether from diffuse axonal injury or focal lesions, can interfere with encoding new information, consolidating memories, and retrieving stored memories. As a result, people may have persistent difficulties forming new memories and retrieving past ones, which is characteristic of the long-term cognitive impact of TBI. Hearing loss and changes in sense of smell are sensory or perceptual rather than cognitive deficits, and balance issues relate more to motor or vestibular function than to cognition.

Memory impairment is a common long-term cognitive consequence after a traumatic brain injury. The injury often disrupts memory networks in the brain, including the hippocampus and connected frontal-temporal circuits. This damage, whether from diffuse axonal injury or focal lesions, can interfere with encoding new information, consolidating memories, and retrieving stored memories. As a result, people may have persistent difficulties forming new memories and retrieving past ones, which is characteristic of the long-term cognitive impact of TBI.

Hearing loss and changes in sense of smell are sensory or perceptual rather than cognitive deficits, and balance issues relate more to motor or vestibular function than to cognition.