Behavioural problems in the first year after Severe traumatic brain injury: a prospective multicentre study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to significant behavioral changes.
• Understanding the trajectory and impact of these problems is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine behavioral problems in severe TBI patients during the first year post-injury.
• To identify associations between these behaviors and patient outcomes.
• To analyze behaviors requiring staff intervention.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, population-based cohort study.
• 114 severe TBI patients assessed at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year post-injury.
• Utilized Agitated Behavior Scale, Rancho Los Amigos Scale, and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended.

Main Results:

• Agitation was most frequent at 3 weeks (28% required intervention), but not linked to poor outcome.
• By 3 months, agitation affected 11% and apathy 26% of patients.
• At 3 months, both agitation and apathy correlated with poorer one-year outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Early agitated behaviors post-TBI are often transient and do not predict long-term outcomes.
• Agitation and apathy at 3 months, though less common, are significant indicators of poorer one-year outcomes.
• A substantial number of severe TBI patients exhibit behaviors needing staff intervention in the early recovery phase.