Tbi And Endocrine Disorders

[militarynurse]

Did anyone hear of weight gain due to pituitary or other endocrine gland dysfunction? Anyone ever submit a claim for weight gain secondary to TBI or depression?

[timetowinarace]

Did anyone hear of weight gain due to pituitary or other endocrine gland dysfunction? Anyone ever submit a claim for weight gain secondary to TBI or depression?

I know endocrine disorders are not uncommon with tbi. Diabetes Insipidus(SP) is more commonly found. I don't know that wieght gain by itself could be SC as a secondary condition but othe symptoms of these types of disorders are quite debilitating and the disorder itself could be SC. Only an Encrinologist would be able to identify wich hormones are affected. There are too many posibilities. Some cause wieght gain, some wieght loss. To be SC, I would assume an endocrine dissorder would have to show up in blood work such as increased or decreased levels of cortizone, testosirone, adrenal, ATcH or a host of others.

[vaf]

Yes, my husband is rated for having a pituitary tumor with residuals (currently at 60% but in appeal), and also organic mental syndrome stemming from a pituitary tumor (rated at 30% and also under appeal). We have weight gain claims pending as an outcome of hypothyroidism, steroid treatments for service connected condition (pituitary tumor with residuals), and resulting sleep apnea related both to weight gain and hypothyroidism (not yet rated, but pending at the VARO), but not due to TBI or depression.

[militarynurse]

I spoke with a board certified endocrinologist yesterday and was advised that TBI can cause dysfunction of the hypothalmus and pituitary glands. In other words, TBI may cause an endocrine disorder affecting the body's metabolism.

[militarynurse]

Did anyone hear of weight gain due to pituitary or other endocrine gland dysfunction? Anyone ever submit a claim for weight gain secondary to TBI or depression?

http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/19/4/363

A very good 2007 scholarly article that ties TBI to endocrine / hormone disorders as possible causes of weight gain and low testosterone levels among other medical conditions.

Apparently endocrine damage from a TBI is often overlooked.