Long-term health outcomes of adolescent mTBI: a scoping review

Adolescent mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) carries potential long-term effects. This scoping review aimed to map and explore recent literature on the long-term outcomes of mTBI in adolescents aged 13-18, defining long-term as a minimum of 12 months post-injury.

Following the JBI framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we reviewed 37 English articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals between 2015 and 2024. Narrative synthesis and concept analysis were used to identify themes and patterns related to long-term outcomes.

The findings reveal a complex profile of long-term outcomes, clustered into four key themes: cognitive function (where subtle deficits in memory and attention can persist), mental health (with a heightened risk for depression and anxiety), physical health (including potential cardiac and motor system alterations), and social and life function (academic, occupational, and lifespan outcomes, antisocial behaviors, and relationship quality).

This review provides insight into the potential long-term concerns of adolescent mTBI and highlights areas needing further research for more robust conclusions. The review identifies critical considerations for health professionals when assessing adolescents with mTBI and creating recovery plans to promote full recovery with limited long-term impact.