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Updated: Jun 26, 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
Relationship among subjective sleep complaints, headaches, and mood alterations following a mild traumatic brain
Geneviève Chaput1, Jean-François Giguère, Jean-Marc Chauny
1Facultés de Médecine Dentaire et de Médecine, Université de Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Que., Canada.
Background:
Sleep complaints (e.g., frequent awakenings, nightmares), headaches and mood alterations (e.g., feeling depressed, irritable) can appear following a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the relationships between the above symptoms. Our hypothesis was that sleep complaints might be among the risk factors for the development of headaches and mood alterations.
Methods:
The consecutive charts of 443 patients (68.2% males vs. 31.8% female; mean age of 46.9 years) diagnosed with MTBI were reviewed for past medical history and above symptoms using the Rivermead post-concussion symptom assessment questionnaire and self-report. Data were retrieved in 2 time courses: 10 days and 6 weeks.
Results:
For the 2 time courses, the prevalence of subjective sleep complaints were 13.3% and 33.5%; headaches 46.8% and 39.3%; feeling depressed 9.5% and 20.4%; and feeling irritable 5.6% and 20.2%, respectively. Reports of sleep complaints at 6 weeks were 2.9 times (p=0.004) more likely if such a symptom was reported at 10 days. Moreover, the presence of sleep complaints at 10 days is associated with concomitant headaches, depressive symptoms, and feeling irritable by 2.3, 9.9, and 12.2 times (p=0.0001 and 0.014); and by 2.9, 6.3, and 4.8 times (p=0.0001) at 6 weeks, respectively.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that patients afflicted with sleep complaints are more likely to suffer from concomitant headaches, depressive symptoms, and irritability.
Insights
Following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), sleep complaints increase the risk of headaches and mood changes like depression and irritability. Early identification of sleep issues is crucial for managing post-MTBI symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can lead to various post-concussive symptoms.
- Commonly reported symptoms include sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood alterations (depression, irritability).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sleep complaints and the development of headaches and mood alterations after MTBI.
- To determine if sleep complaints are a risk factor for other post-MTBI symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 443 patients diagnosed with MTBI.
- Symptoms assessed using the Rivermead post-concussion symptom assessment questionnaire and self-report at 10 days and 6 weeks post-injury.
Main Results:
- Sleep complaints were reported by 13.3% at 10 days and 33.5% at 6 weeks.
- Sleep complaints at 10 days were associated with a 2.9 times higher likelihood of reporting them at 6 weeks.
- Sleep complaints at 10 days significantly increased the odds of experiencing headaches (2.3x), depression (9.9x), and irritability (12.2x) at 6 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Sleep complaints are a significant risk factor for developing headaches and mood alterations post-MTBI.
- Patients with post-MTBI sleep issues are more prone to concurrent headaches, depressive symptoms, and irritability.
