REVIEW
Introdução: O trauma cranioencefálico (TCE) é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em adultos, podendo causar impacto negativo em aspectos relacionados à sexualidade. Objetivo: Nesta revisão, pretende-se avaliar os estudos publicados sobre aspectos da sexualidade em vítimas de TCE. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados BVS e PubMed, de 1980 a 2022, que apresenta a patofisiologia, incidência, métodos de avaliação e opções de tratamento para disfunção sexual após TCE. Resultados: Há escassez de estudos sobre sexualidade em doentes vítimas de TCE, não havendo acordo sobre sua incidência. Artigos demonstram que discutir esse assunto com os pacientes ainda é um tabu e a melhor abordagem para fazê-lo permanece indefinida. Conclusão: Os profissionais de saúde precisam estar cientes sobre tais problemas para melhor abordar o paciente, melhorando sua qualidade de vida. Estudos sobre sexualidade em TCE são necessários, especialmente os estudos epidemiológicos em países em desenvolvimento.
Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. Although sexuality issues following the lesions may cause a negative impact on rehabilitation, their epidemiological and treatment aspects are scarcely documented. Objective: This review intends to assess the published studies on aspects of sexuality related to TBI. Methods: This is an integrative review conducted in BVS and PubMed databases, during the period from 1980 and 2022, which presents the pathophysiology, incidence, methods of evaluation and treatment options of sexual dysfunction after TBI. Results: There are few studies evaluating sexuality and TBI relation, and the epidemiological aspects are controversial. Articles stress that discussing sexual issues with the patient is still a taboo and the best approach to be taken is yet undefined. Conclusion: Studies of sexuality in TBI patients are scarce, particularly on developing countries, such as Brazil. However, health professionals need to be aware of these matters, in order to better address the patient, improving his/her quality of life. Similarly, epidemiological studies on developing countries are of utmost importance.
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1 Specialist in Occupational Therapy and Mental Health, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo – USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
2 MD, MR, Neurology resident, Clinics Hospital, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo – USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
3 MD, School of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas – UFAM, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
4 MD, PhD, Doctor of Medicine (Neurology), Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo – USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
5 MD, PhD, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Hospital Universitário Getúlio Vargas, Federal University of Amazonas – UFAM, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
Received Jun 1, 2022
Accepted Jul 12, 2022
