Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 11, 2025
Profiles of patients with a history of mild head injury
Batia Stern1, Joseph Glicksohn, Max Stern
1Psychobiology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Abstract:
Mild head injury (MHI) causes heterogeneous disorders. In this exploratory study, the authors attempted to gain an understanding of this heterogeneity by isolating on clinical criteria three groups of bona fide MHI patients. These were patients who presented with virtually no complaints unless prodded (a "stoic" or "low complaint," LC) group; those who were admitted with numerous complaints, who were also demanding and argumentative ("extraverted-aggressive," EA); and those who, although symptomatic, appeared to retreat under conditions of environmental stress ("introverted-withdrawn," IW). By assessing clinical, neuropsychological, electroencephalographic (EEG) and personality variables the authors were provisionally able to support their subdivision in terms of the personality profile and, to a certain extent, both neuropsychologically and by relying on the EEC alpha/theta ratio.
Insights
Mild head injury (MHI) presents diverse patient experiences. This study identified three distinct MHI patient groups—low complaint (LC), extraverted-aggressive (EA), and introverted-withdrawn (IW)—based on clinical presentation and personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Mild head injury (MHI) is known to cause a wide range of patient symptoms and outcomes.
- Understanding the heterogeneity of MHI is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous classifications of MHI patients have not fully captured the spectrum of clinical presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the heterogeneity of mild head injury (MHI) by classifying patients into distinct clinical groups.
- To identify and characterize patient subgroups based on their responses to injury and environmental stress.
- To investigate the utility of personality profiles, neuropsychological assessments, and EEG data in differentiating MHI patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Patients with mild head injury (MHI) were clinically assessed and categorized into three provisional groups: low complaint (LC), extraverted-aggressive (EA), and introverted-withdrawn (IW).
- A comprehensive assessment including clinical variables, neuropsychological testing, electroencephalography (EEG), and personality evaluations was conducted.
- Statistical and qualitative analyses were employed to compare the characteristics of the identified patient groups.
Main Results:
- The study provisionally supported the subdivision of MHI patients into LC, EA, and IW groups based on distinct personality profiles.
- Neuropsychological assessments showed some differences between the groups, suggesting varying cognitive impacts.
- The EEG alpha/theta ratio provided additional support for the proposed patient stratification.
Conclusions:
- Mild head injury (MHI) patient heterogeneity can be provisionally classified into distinct clinical and personality-based subgroups.
- Personality traits appear to be a significant factor in how MHI patients present and cope with their injury.
- Further research is warranted to validate these subgroups and explore their implications for treatment and prognosis.
