Factors Associated With Persistent Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

What are the early clinical characteristics associated with persistent symptoms 30 days after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)?In this cohort study of 803 patients presenting at a median of 1.5 hours after an mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥13), 9 characteristics were significantly associated with symptoms persisting for 30 days: female sex; elevated body mass index; mechanism of injury; a prior diagnosis of headaches or migraines, depression, or anxiety; and the presence of focal neurological deficits, headache, or multiple computed tomography scans at intake.These findings suggest that patients with any of these characteristics should be identified as candidates for early intervention intended to prevent persistent 30-day postconcussive symptoms and should receive follow-up for mTBI.

Corresponding Author: W. Frank Peacock, MD, Comprehensive Research Associates, LLC, 3302 S Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77021 (frankpeacock@gmail.com).

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