Neurobehavioral Symptoms in Spanish-Speaking Individuals With Subconcussive Injuries

Denise Krch ¹, Anthony H Lequerica , Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla

⁰Author Affiliations: Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey (Drs Krch and Lequerica); Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (Dr Arango-Lasprilla); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (Dr Corrigan).

The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation +

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March 8, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Exposure to head or neck injuries, even without loss of consciousness, can lead to neurobehavioral symptoms. Multiple subconcussive exposures significantly increase these symptoms compared to single or no exposures in Spanish-speakers.

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Public Health
Traumatology

Background

High-risk events can cause head and neck injuries.
Neurobehavioral symptoms are common after head injuries.
The impact of subconcussive exposures without altered consciousness is less understood.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the relationship between subconcussive head/neck injury exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms in Spanish-speakers.
To assess the effect of exposure frequency on symptom severity.
To evaluate the utility of the OSU TBI-ID SAB for assessing subconcussive exposure.

Main Methods

A web-based survey was administered to 709 Spanish-speakers (aged 18-65) from Spain and Latin America with ≥10 years of education.
Participants were categorized into No Head Injury, Subconcussive Exposure (Single or Multiple), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) groups.
Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed using the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), and injury history via the Spanish OSU TBI-ID SAB.

Main Results

A significant effect of injury group and exposure frequency on NSI scores was observed.
Individuals with subconcussive exposures reported more neurobehavioral symptoms than those with no head injury.
Multiple subconcussive exposures were associated with significantly more neurobehavioral symptoms than single or no exposures.

Conclusions

Subconcussive head/neck exposures, even without altered consciousness, are linked to neurobehavioral symptoms.
The Spanish OSU TBI-ID SAB can assess subconcussive exposure dosing.
Further research can establish prevalence rates and understand chronic effects of high-risk exposures.