Chronic Pain Among Persons With TBI
A Consumer Digest of Model System Research:
What is the study about?
This study looked at chronic pain severity, its interference with daily function, and the history of pain treatment across several demographics of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
What did the study find?
The study found that individuals with TBI who identified as Black reported greater pain severity and interference when compared to individuals who identified as White. The differences in pain severity and interference were greater between Whites and Blacks for older participants. Differences between Blacks and Whites in pain’s interference in daily function was greater for those with less than a high school education. This study found no difference between racial groups in having received pain treatment. Individuals with TBI who identify as black may experience more challenges with managing chronic pain, perhaps due to different social and environmental factors that impact health (i.e., access to medical care, prior interactions with healthcare, income/wealth). Because of this, practitioners need to consider a wholistic approach when treating chronic pain in individuals with TBI.
Who participated in the study?
Participants were 621 individuals with moderate to severe TBI who had received acute trauma care and inpatient rehabilitation.
How was the study conducted?
This study used a multicenter, cross-sectional, survey design, which is a type of research that collects data from many different individuals at a single point in time using a survey questionnaire. This type of study is especially useful in understanding medical conditions in specific populations.
How can people use the results?
Individuals with TBI, their families, and practitioners can use the results of the study to better understand how social and environmental factors may lead to disparities in managing chronic pain after TBI. Study results also highlight the need for wholistic approaches when treating chronic pain in individuals with TBI.
Reference
Sander, A. M., Williams, M., Loyo, K., Leon-Novelo, L., Ngan, E., Neumann, D., Agtarap, S., Martin, A. M., Hoffman, J., Christensen, K., Hanks, R., & Hammond, F. M. (2023). Disparities in chronic pain experience and treatment history among persons with traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury model systems study. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 38(2), 125–136. https://doi.org/10.1097/htr.0000000000000870
Disclaimer
The contents of this quick review were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPKT0009). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this quick review do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.