Telephone Follow-Up of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury; A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Investigating the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
• Assessing the prevalence of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) one year after injury.
• Focusing on patients treated in a Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the one-year prevalence of PCS in mTBI patients.
• To evaluate health outcomes and quality of life one year post-mTBI.
• To identify factors associated with PCS development and severity.

Main Methods:

• Adult patients treated for mTBI in 2013 were identified.
• A telephone questionnaire was administered, including the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), SF-12, and EQ5D5L.
• Data from 57 successfully contacted patients were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) was present in 21% of patients one year post-mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
• The median age of participants was 40, with 58% being male.
• Females exhibited significantly worse physical function outcomes compared to males (p < 0.004).

Conclusions:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients frequently experience persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS) one year after injury.
• Female patients with mTBI reported poorer physical function outcomes at the one-year follow-up.
• These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and support for mTBI patients.