Post-concussion symptom reporting after multiple mild traumatic brain injuries

J Neurotrauma. 2013 Aug 15;30(16):1398-404. doi: 10.1089/neu.2012.2827. Epub 2013 Jul 20.

Abstract

The relationship between previous mild traumatic brain injury/injuries (MTBI) and recovery from a subsequent MTBI may be complex. The present study investigated three factors hypothesized to influence this relation: (1) the number of prior MTBIs, (2) the interval between MTBIs, and (3) the certainty level of previous MTBIs. The study design was retrospective cross-sectional. Participants (N=105) were evaluated at a concussion clinic on average 1 month after sustaining an MTBI, defined by World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. Approximately half the sample had at least one previous MTBI. Subgroups with 0, 1, or 2+ previous MTBIs did not differ in levels of current post-concussion symptom reporting on the British Columbia Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory. Time since the most recent previous MTBI was significantly associated with current post-concussion symptom reporting. This relation was best characterized as logarithmic; i.e., the impact of previous MTBI(s) lessens exponentially as time elapses to a subsequent MTBI. Defining previous MTBIs with a higher certainty level (i.e., probable versus possible) was not consistently associated with greater post-concussion symptom reporting. In conclusion, participants with multiple MTBIs did not report more post-concussion symptoms than those with no history of MTBI. Previous MTBI(s), however, were associated with increased symptom reporting from a subsequent MTBI to the extent they occurred closer in time. Having one or two previous remote MTBIs was not associated with worse outcome from subsequent MTBI in this sample.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Brain Injuries / etiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / complications*
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult