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Is Age Associated With the Severity of Post-Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms?
Tina Hu1, Cindy Hunt2, Donna Ouchterlony2
11Faculty of Medicine,University of Toronto,Toronto,Ontario,Canada.
Background:
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant public health concern. Research has shown that mTBI is associated with persistent physical, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms, leading to significant direct and indirect medical costs. Our objective was to determine if age impacts the type and severity of post-mTBI symptoms experienced.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at a level 1 tertiary care outpatient head injury clinic. Participants (N=167) were patients seen at the clinic following an mTBI. The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity.
Results:
In our sample, the mean age was 44±16 years with 51% males. Compared with other age groups, patients >66 years of age were significantly more likely to report an mTBI between 6 AM to 12 PM (69%). Middle-aged patients (36-55 years) were more likely to report higher severity of certain post-mTBI symptoms (headache, nausea and vomiting, irritability, poor concentration, sleep disturbance, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and taking longer to think) compared with patients >66 years of age.
Conclusions:
In general, middle-aged patients reported higher severity of post-mTBI symptoms compared with the oldest patients. Thus, there was a significant association between age and the severity of specific mTBI symptoms, which highlights the need for targeted management. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms that could be contributing to the higher symptom severity experienced by the middle-aged group.
Insights
Age significantly impacts mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) symptom severity. Middle-aged individuals report more severe symptoms compared to older adults, necessitating tailored management strategies for post-mTBI care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a widespread health issue with lasting physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences.
- mTBI results in substantial direct and indirect medical expenses.
- Understanding how age influences mTBI outcomes is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between patient age and the type and severity of symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury.
- To identify specific symptom profiles associated with different age groups after mTBI.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 167 patients diagnosed with mTBI.
- Utilized the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire to quantify symptom severity.
- Data was gathered from patients attending a level 1 tertiary care outpatient head injury clinic.
Main Results:
- The study included 167 patients with a mean age of 44±16 years; 51% were male.
- Patients over 66 were more likely to sustain mTBI between 6 AM and 12 PM (69%).
- Middle-aged patients (36-55 years) reported greater severity of symptoms like headache, nausea, irritability, poor concentration, sleep disturbance, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and slowed thinking compared to those over 66.
Conclusions:
- Middle-aged individuals generally reported more severe post-mTBI symptoms than the oldest age group.
- A significant correlation exists between age and the severity of specific mTBI symptoms.
- Findings underscore the necessity for age-specific management approaches for mTBI patients and warrant further research into underlying mechanisms.
