Symptom Cluster Associated with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in University Students

Abstract

There is growing recognition that even a minor blow to the head can have serious consequences on physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social well-being. Previous studies have indicated that such changes may in turn have a dramatic effect on the ability of university students to carry out their studies. This survey measured the prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury in a nonclinical population of 1,075 university students from all disciplines. In addition to surveying the nature, cause, and sex distribution, it further investigated the relationships between the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social repercussions of the incidents. Results replicated earlier findings and indicated a prevalence rate of mild traumatic brain injury of 34.9% (n = 375). Moreover, significant correlations were found among the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social changes reported by the students, suggesting a cluster of symptoms associated with such incidents. Altogether, these results suggest that even currently enrolled and active university students may face unique and subtle challenges related to a mild traumatic brain injury.

A community survey demonstrated cohort differences in the lifetime prevalence of self-reported head injury

“…Silver et al found that respondents self-identifying with an HI reported poorer physical and emotional health, more memory problems, and more frequent receipt of welfare, providing validation of their measure. The prevalence rates reported in this and Silver's study are much lower than that reported in many convenience university samples [11,12,15,17] but greater than the prevalence (or incidence) rates based on hospital or clinic data [2,[31][32][33] or community surveys based on reported disability [13,18].…”

“…A number of studies have examined the prevalence of head injury (HI)/brain injury and associated cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems and disability using convenience and community samples [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. There are obvious problems with simply asking about experience of HI (e.g., ensuring consistency across individuals in the severity/ clinical relevance of reported HI).…”

“…There are obvious problems with simply asking about experience of HI (e.g., ensuring consistency across individuals in the severity/ clinical relevance of reported HI). Some studies inquire about previous medical diagnosis [11], receipt of medical attention [9], or experience of concussion [12]. Others focus on individuals with a disability who attribute the cause to a HI [13,18].…”

Long-Term Cognitive, Emotional, and Functional Outcomes in Trauma Intensive Care Unit Survivors Without Intracranial Hemorrhage

“…1 It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million patients leave the TICU annually with a condition known as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), which may result in long-term cognitive impairment. [2][3][4][5][6] MTBI and other types of cognitive impairment are frequently unrecognized and rarely treated. 7 It has been noted that many TICU survivors experience a range of neuropsychological, emotional, and functional difficulties, 8 but most previous studies have focused on patients with obvious deficits such as those with either traumatic brain injury (TBI) or intracranial hemorrhage.…”

Clinical Examination of the Rotator Cuff

“…Given the challenges in identifying and assessing individuals with mTBI in the general population, studies addressing these topics via retrospective self‐reports have demonstrated utility in comprehending the effects of mTBI [15,17]. Surveys administered to nonathlete high school and college student samples have explored a variety of mTBI‐associated sequelae, including clusters of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms as well as comorbidities with psychological disorders [18,19]. Studies in which the authors use self‐report measures of mTBI symptoms may be modified to be administered online and thus do not require in‐person evaluations, allowing participants to complete measures in their own home and on their own time and resulting in a potentially greater rate of recruitment of mTBI participants than that seen in emergency departments [20].…”