Background　Traumatic brain injury(TBI) may be accompanied by lung injury and pulmonary dysfunction. The TBI patients with pulmonary complications tend to have prolonged stay in intensive care unit, poorer prognosis, and increased risk of death.　Objective　To review the manifestations and potential pathophysiological basis of lung injury after TBI.　Content　Some TBI patients develop pulmonary injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Multiple processes that involve in the development of pulmonary injury following TBI include hyperactivity of sympathetic, but hypoactivity of parasympathetic nervous system, enhanced release of substance P, neuropeptide A, proinflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecule-1, and activation of high-mobility group box-1-RAGE axis, etc. Reversal or blocking of these processes prevent or attenuate lung injury.　Trend　Further investigations are needed to determine the potential risk factors that affect the incidence of lung injury in TBI patients. The information is critical to develop appropriate intervention or prevention strategies to improve treatment for TBI.