[Which factors are predictive for long-term complaints after mild traumatic brain injuries?]

Each year 330 of every 100,000 inhabitants in Germany suffer a mild traumatic brain injury. About 25% suffer persisting post-concussion syndrome (headache, dizziness). Although many studies have been carried out to make a prognosis of the long-term outcome of these patients, there are still no relevant tests for a valuable statement. The aim of our study was to identify parameters to predict post-traumatic complaints. Therefore we conducted a prospective study of 74 patients who were admitted with a mild traumatic brain injury in our hospital from March 2004 till October 2006. We were able to show a significant correlation between complaints and a pathological CT-scan and biochemical markers during the first two weeks. For long-term complaints only the SKT (Syndromkurztest) we used for a neuropsychological assesment was able to show a significant correlation.