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Author Spotlight: Optimizing Rodent Models for Investigating the Mechanisms and Rehabilitation in Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: April 19, 2024
418
Subjective Cognitive Complaints in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Association with Cognitive Test Performance and
Kaisa Mäki1, Taina Nybo1, Marja Hietanen1
1Department of Neuropsychology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 302, FI-00029 Helsinki, Finland.
Summary
Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are not always linked to cognitive test deficits. Psychological factors like resilience and social support may be more relevant for patients experiencing SCC post-mTBI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) are frequently reported by patients following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- The relationship between SCC, objective cognitive performance, and psychological factors in mTBI populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of SCC in patients with mTBI.
- To explore the association between SCC, neuropsychological test performance, and protective psychological factors in mTBI patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 99 patients with mTBI and 34 orthopedic injury (OI) controls, assessed 3 months post-injury.
- Participants completed a neuropsychological test battery and self-report measures including SCC, resilience, social support, depression, fatigue, and pain.
Main Results:
- SCC were reported by 27.3% of mTBI patients and 17.6% of OI controls, with no significant group difference.
- In the mTBI group, SCC were not significantly associated with cognitive test performance across most domains.
- Patients with SCC reported lower psychological resilience and perceived social support compared to those without SCC.
Conclusions:
- SCC following mTBI may not consistently correlate with objective cognitive deficits.
- Psychological factors, including perceived social support and resilience, appear associated with SCC in mTBI.
- Clinical assessment and intervention planning for mTBI patients with SCC should consider psychological factors.
