Patients with a reported history of mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI) due to blast (n = 298) or non-blast (n = 92) mechanisms were asked to complete the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL). Mechanism of injury did not account for a significant amount of variance in post-concussion symptom reporting overall, nor did severity of mild TBI (i.e., brief loss of consciousness versus only an alteration of consciousness). Symptom reporting was greater in those injured more than 1 month ago compared to those injured less than 1 month ago and in those reporting higher levels versus lower levels of PTSD symptoms. When examining specific symptoms, the only symptom that significantly varied between groups was hearing difficulty (with the blast-injured group reporting more severe difficulty with hearing). Findings suggest that greater symptom reporting is most strongly related to emotional distress.

The pre-existence of psychiatric illness, particularly depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, increased the future risk of incurring a TBI. The implementation of early identification and treatment of psychiatric conditions may potentially lower risk and reduce yearly incidence rates of TBI.

No abstract

The findings support premorbid IQ as a unique and relevant predictor of chronic PCS, with significance variance accounted for beyond education, cognitive functioning, and psychosocial variables. Given the predictive relationship between premorbid IQ and PCS, adapting postconcussive interventions to meet the specific needs of individuals with varying levels of intellect may be important in minimizing ongoing symptomatology.