scholarly journals A-105 Post-Concussive Symptom Endorsement and Symptom Attribution Following Remote Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Combat-Exposed Veterans

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 898-898
Author(s):  
Merritt V ◽  
Jurick S ◽  
Sakamoto M ◽  
Crocker L ◽  
Sullan M ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine rates of “post-concussive” symptom endorsement and symptom attribution in Veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We also explored the relationship between symptom endorsement and symptom attribution and assessed correlates of each. Method This cross-sectional study included 48 combat-exposed Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans with remote history of mTBI. All Veterans completed clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors, injury and combat-related variables, psychiatric distress, self-efficacy, and coping style. To assess symptom endorsement and symptom attribution, a modified version of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory was administered. Results Results showed that the most commonly endorsed “post-concussive” symptoms were several non-specific symptoms, and the symptoms most frequently attributed to mTBI included forgetfulness, poor concentration, and headaches. Furthermore, although there were some overlapping correlates of both symptom endorsement and symptom attribution, unique variables were associated with each domain. Specifically, symptom endorsement was uniquely associated with measures of psychiatric distress, while symptom attribution was uniquely associated with having a history of loss of consciousness and a greater degree of combat exposure. Conclusions Taken together, results suggest that endorsement of symptoms may be significantly impacted by the presence of mental health comorbidities, but that perceptions or beliefs as to why symptoms are occurring are related more to mTBI and combat-related characteristics. Findings offer potential avenues for therapeutic intervention, emphasize the importance of psychoeducation, and highlight the need to consider using alternate terminology for these symptoms that promotes recovery and minimizes misattribution of symptoms.

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (10) ◽  
pp. 468-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria A. Torres ◽  
Jordan E. Strack ◽  
Sara Dolan ◽  
Marc I. Kruse ◽  
Michelle L. Pennington ◽  
...  

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a nationwide problem; yet, no firefighter mTBI data are available. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed retrospective head injuries using WHO guidelines. We captured mTBI frequency and examined firefighters’ symptoms (e.g., using Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification method, Brief Traumatic Brain Injury Screen, Warrior Administered Retrospective Causality Assessment Tool). Findings: Of 1,112 firefighters contacted, 60 responses were included. Most participants were White (80%), male (90%), former athletes (75%). 62% met mTBI symptom criteria. 75% reported at least one lifetime head injury. Number of head injuries and depression symptoms were associated (r = .36, p < .05). Conclusion/application to practice: Overall, it appears most firefighters have sustained at least one lifetime mTBI. Those with multiple head injuries may be at increased risk of depression. Occupational health professionals should be aware of firefighters’ mTBI risk. Further research is warranted given findings.


2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob J. Sosnoff ◽  
Steven P. Broglio ◽  
Sunghoon Shin ◽  
Michael S. Ferrara

Abstract Context: Postural control and cognitive function are adversely affected by acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Whether postural-control deficits persist beyond the acute stage in individuals with a history of mTBI is unclear. Objective: To determine if postural-control deficits persist in individuals with a history of mTBI. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting: University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: As part of an ongoing investigation examining cognitive and motor deficits associated with mTBI, 224 individuals participated in the study. Of these, 62 participants self-reported at least 1 previous physician-diagnosed mTBI. Intervention(s): Postural control was assessed using the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT) postural-assessment battery. Main Outcome Measure(s): The SOT postural assessment yields 4 indices of postural control: a composite balance score, a visual ratio score, a somatosensory score, and a vestibular score. Postural dynamics were also examined by calculating approximate entropy of center-of-pressure excursions in the anteroposterior and mediolateral axis for each test condition. Results: Minimal differences in the SOT indices were noted among individuals with and without a history of previous mTBI (P &gt; .05). In the group with a history of mTBI, anteroposterior postural irregularity decreased as postural difficulty increased. In contrast, the group without a history of mTBI displayed increased postural irregularity in the mediolateral direction. Conclusions: Individuals with a history of mTBI exhibited altered postural dynamics compared with individuals without a history of mTBI. These findings support the notion that changes in cerebral functioning that affect postural control may persist long after acute injury resolution.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geneviève Chaput ◽  
Susanne P. Lajoie ◽  
Laura M. Naismith ◽  
Gilles Lavigne

Background.Identifying which patients are most likely to be at risk of chronic pain and other postconcussion symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a difficult clinical challenge.Objectives.To examine the relationship between pain catastrophizing, defined as the exaggerated negative appraisal of a pain experience, and early MTBI outcome.Methods.This cross-sectional design included 58 patients diagnosed with a MTBI. In addition to medical chart review, postconcussion symptoms were assessed by self-report at 1 month (Time 1) and 8 weeks (Time 2) after MTBI. Pain severity, psychological distress, level of functionality, and pain catastrophizing were measured by self-report at Time 2.Results.The pain catastrophizing subscales of rumination, magnification, and helplessness were significantly correlated with pain severity (r=.31to.44), number of postconcussion symptoms reported (r=.35to.45), psychological distress (r=.57to.67), and level of functionality (r=-.43to-.29). Pain catastrophizing scores were significantly higher for patients deemed to be at high risk of postconcussion syndrome (6 or more symptoms reported at both Time 1 and Time 2).Conclusions.Higher levels of pain catastrophizing were related to adverse early MTBI outcomes. The early detection of pain catastrophizing may facilitate goal-oriented interventions to prevent or minimize the development of chronic pain and other postconcussion symptoms.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (22) ◽  
pp. 1796-1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max J. Hilz ◽  
Felix Aurnhammer ◽  
Steven R. Flanagan ◽  
Tassanai Intravooth ◽  
Ruihao Wang ◽  
...  

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