Comprehensive Clinical Picture of Patients with Complicated vs Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

To compare the acute clinical profile of patients with uncomplicated vs complicated mild TBI (MTBI), socio-demographic and medical history variables were gathered for 176 patients diagnosed with MTBI and with (complicated, N = 45) or without (uncomplicated, N = 131) positive findings on cerebral imaging. Neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment and self-evaluation of post-concussive symptoms were done at 2 weeks post trauma. Patients with complicated MTBI were more likely to show auditory and vestibular system dysfunction. Surprisingly, the uncomplicated group reported more severe post-concussive symptoms than patients with positive CT scans. The groups showed no other difference in neurological, psychological, or cognitive outcome. A complete neurological examination should be done acutely in patients with MTBI to determine more specific follow-up required.

Keywords:

• Mild traumatic brain injury
• Neuropsychology
• Neurology
• Rivermead Post-Concussive Questionnaire
• Early rehabilitation setting
• Imaging