Abstract
Introduction: Several patients who suffer Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) develop Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) and long-term disability. Current prognostic models for mTBI have a large unexplained variance, which limits their use in a clinical setting.
Aim: This study aimed to identify background demographics and mTBI details that are associated with PPCS and long-term disability.
Methods: Patients from the SHEFfield Brain Injury after Trauma (SHEFBIT) cohort with mTBI in the Emergency Department (ED) were analysed as part of the study. PPCS and long-term disability were measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire and the Rivermead Post-Injury Follow-up Questionnaire respectively, during follow up brain injury clinics.
Results: A representative mTBI sample of 647 patients was recruited with a follow-up rate of 89%. Non-attenders were older (p < 0.001), a greater proportion were retired (p < 0.001) and had a greater burden of comorbidity (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis identified that female gender, previous psychiatric history, GCS <15, aetiology of assault and alcohol intoxication, were associated with worse recovery.
Conclusion: These findings will support and add to current understanding of MBTI recovery in pursuit of developing a validated prognostic model. This will allow for more accurate prognostication and eventual improved treatment for sufferers of this complex disorder.
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Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.