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Gender differences in agitation after traumatic brain injury
Vivek Kadyan1, W Jerry Mysiw, Jennifer A Bogner
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|September 24, 2004
Summary
This study found no significant sex differences in the frequency, duration, or intensity of posttraumatic agitation in patients undergoing acute rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury. Both men and women experience similar agitation levels, suggesting equal management approaches are appropriate.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Posttraumatic agitation is a common complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Understanding potential sex differences in agitation presentation is crucial for effective management during acute rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based differences in the extent and type of posttraumatic agitation.
- To compare agitation frequency, duration, presentation, and intensity between male and female patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study conducted at a Midwest university-based acute rehabilitation center.
- 158 subjects (120 men, 38 women) were assessed for posttraumatic agitation using the Agitated Behavior Scale.
- Evaluated differences based on criteria of three or more abnormal scores in 48 hours and two or more abnormal scores in 2 days.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between sexes regarding age, cognitive function (GCS, RLA, MMSE), or length of hospital/rehabilitation stay.
- The incidence of posttraumatic agitation did not differ significantly between male and female subjects (P = 0.890 and P = 0.396).
- Peak and average intensity of agitation, including factor scores, showed no sex-based variations.
Conclusions:
- Posttraumatic agitation affects approximately 50% of TBI patients and typically resolves within 10 days.
- There are no significant sex differences in the frequency, duration, presentation, or extent of posttraumatic agitation.
- Clinical management of posttraumatic agitation should be equitable for both sexes, irrespective of preconceived notions.