Association between lifetime history of traumatic brain injury, prescription opioid use, and persistent pain: A nationally representative study

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J86070

Journal:

Journal of Neurotrauma

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , , ,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study evaluated the association among lifetime traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure, opioid use, and pain in a nationally representative sample of 1,022 adults over age 50 who participated in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Lifetime TBI history was measured via the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. Three alternate TBI exposures (years since most recent TBI, age at first TBI, and number of lifetime TBIs) were evaluated in sensitivity analyses. Two outcomes were examined: recent opioid medication use, and moderate-to-severe pain measured over two HRS waves. The participants were classified into three pain groups: persistent, intermittent, and no pain. The prevalence of opioid use among individuals with and without TBI was 19.7 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, individuals with TBI had a 52 percent increased risk for opioid use compared with individuals without TBI. Individuals with recent TBI (1–10 years ago), first TBI after age 40+, and 2+ lifetime TBIs had greatest risk for opioid use. Compared with individuals without TBI, individuals with TBI had 4.9-times increased odds for persistent versus no pain, and 1.9-times increased odds of intermittent versus no pain. Persistent pain among adults with lifetime TBI is elevated compared with the general population, which may contribute to increased opioid use among people with TBI, particularly those with recent injuries or multiple lifetime TBIs.

Author(s):