Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J78126

Journal:


Brain Injury

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 30, 1, 78-83

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined whether pre-injury psychosocial and demographic factors differentially influence long-term functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 149 patients, ages 16–75, who sustained a mild complicated, moderate or severe TBI, were enrolled in a TBI Model System center, and had functional outcome data five to 15 years post-injury. Archival data were analyzed using multiple regression to determine amount of variance accounted for in five functional domains (cognitive independence, physical independence, mobility, occupation, and social integration) measured using the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique. Predictors included age at injury, pre-injury education, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pre-injury incarceration, and psychiatric history. Results showed the models were significant for cognitive and physical independence, mobility, and occupation. Incarceration and psychiatric history accounted for the most variance in cognitive and physical independence, over and above GCS and age at injury. Psychiatric history was also the strongest predictor of occupation. Mobility was the only domain in which GCS accounted for the most variance. The findings suggest that pre-injury psychosocial and demographic factors may be more important than injury severity for predicting some long-term functional outcomes after TBI. It would likely be beneficial to assess these factors in the inpatient setting, with input from a multidisciplinary team, as an early understanding of prognostic indicators can help guide treatment for optimal functional outcomes.

Author(s):


Seagly, Katharine S., O'Neil, Rochelle L., Hanks, Robin A.