Skip to main content

Outcomes of TBI Change Over Seven Years of Follow-Up

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, June 23, 2023 -- The outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) change over seven years after injury, according to a study published online June 21 in Neurology.

Benjamin L. Brett, Ph.D., from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and colleagues examined the prevalence of functional, cognitive, and psychiatric change outcomes from one to seven years post-TBI. Data were included from 1,264 patients: 917 with mild TBI (mTBI), 193 with moderate-to-severe TBI (msTBI), and 154 orthopedic trauma controls (OTC). The primary outcome measures were the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE), Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI), and Self-reported Perceptions of Function Interview.

The researchers found that regardless of TBI severity, functional outcome showed the highest rates of decline (29 and 23 percent for mTBI and msTBI, respectively). When examining all outcomes combined, 21, 26, and 16 percent of those with mTBI, msTBI, and OTC, respectively, experienced decline. In the mTBI group, age and preinjury employment status were associated with functional decline (relative risk [RR], 1.16 per 10 years; RR, 1.81 for retired/disabled/not working versus full time/part time). Improvement in functional recovery at two to seven years postinjury was associated with a higher BSI score and GOSE score of 5 to 7 versus 8 (RRs, 1.11 per 5 points and 2.64, respectively). A greater likelihood of improved psychiatric symptoms in mTBI was seen in association with higher BSI scores and identifying as Black (RRs, 2.28 and 1.21, respectively). For those with msTBI, a greater likelihood of cognitive improvement was seen in association with higher educational attainment (RR, 2.61 per four years).

"Our results dispute the notion that TBI is a one-time event with a stagnant outcome after a short period of recovery," Brett said in a statement.

One author disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted June 2023

Read this next

Survival Possible for Some With TBI for Whom Treatment Was Withdrawn

MONDAY, May 13, 2024 -- A substantial proportion of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who undergo withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) could have survived and...

Mental, Social Disturbances Increased for Children With Prior Concussion

MONDAY, April 29, 2024 -- The rate of mental and social disturbances is higher for U.S. children with prior concussion or brain injury symptoms/diagnosis, according to a study...

Lower Health Literacy Tied to Worse Patient-Reported Outcomes After TBI

WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2024 -- Low health literacy is associated with worse perceived physical health and greater depressive symptoms among adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI)...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.