Adjusting to persistent post-concussive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury and subsequent psycho-educational intervention: A qualitative analysis in military personnel. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brunger, Helen; Ogden, Jane; Malia, Kit; Eldred, Clare; Terblanche, Ronel; Mistlin, Alan
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 28:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2013.857788
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: Best practice guidelines outline ways in which mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) should be managed. In line with the existing evidence base, DMRC Headley Court established a treatment programme for UK servicemen and women with mTBI. This study explored the experiences of a sample of UK military personnel living with PPCS, who also received psycho-educational intervention (Phase 2) at this unit.</p> <p> <italic>Setting</italic>: DMRC Headley Court, Southeast England.</p> <p> <italic>Participants</italic>: Sixteen service personnel who had completed the intervention within 24 months prior to interview.</p> <p> <italic>Design</italic>: Semi-structured qualitative interview study, with purposive sampling and thematic analysis.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Participants described their mTBI in terms of: (1) onset; (2) subsequent symptom experience; (3) recovery; and (4) acceptance. All participants reported a significant degree of confusion and chaos in the aftermath of their traumatic event. These themes highlighted how, following enrolment onto the Phase 2 intervention at DMRC Headley Court, participants reported being (largely) able to manage PPCS. Further, many reported acceptance of their condition and described how they had managed to re-establish a sense of order.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Following a flexible and tailored intervention for PPCS, patients report feeling empowered and describe having a renewed sense of stability.</p> </abstract>