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Mild traumatic brain injury in older adults, provocation evaluation: A pilot study
Carrie A Barrett1, Mark G Goetting2, Cam R Eigenauer1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|April 23, 2026
Summary
This pilot study shows older adults (≥65) can complete mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) evaluations. Significant differences were found in self-reported and provocation tests between those with and without mTBI.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Standard mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) evaluation protocols are established for younger populations.
- Evidence for mTBI assessment in older adults (≥65) is limited, especially concerning self-reported measures and provocation testing.
- This gap necessitates evaluating mTBI protocols in the geriatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of mTBI-specific evaluation protocols in older adults (≥65) with and without a history of mTBI.
- To investigate differences in self-reported outcomes and physical provocation test results between older adults with and without mTBI.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study enrolled 13 community-dwelling older adults (≥65) with or without mTBI history.
- Participants completed self-report measures: Health History Form, Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and Post Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS).
- Physical provocation testing included the Motion Sensitivity Quotient (MSQ) and a modified Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT-M).
Main Results:
- All 13 participants (9 non-mTBI, 4 mTBI) completed the study in one session.
- No significant differences were found in age or BCBT-M completion between groups.
- Significant differences emerged in PSFS, PCSS, and MSQ scores between the mTBI and non-mTBI groups.
Conclusions:
- Older adults (≥65) can safely engage in mTBI evaluation protocols, including self-report and provocation tests.
- Distinct differences in symptom reporting and physical responses were observed between older adults with and without mTBI.
- These findings suggest that standard mTBI protocols are applicable and informative in the geriatric population, potentially informing baseline status.
