Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Following Mild, Moderate, and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: The Role of Posttraumatic Amnesia. Issue 4 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Ozairi, Abdullah; McCullagh, Scott; Feinstein, Anthony
• Other Names: Bushnik Tamara section editor.; Caplan Bruce section editor.; Bogner Jennifer section editor.; Brenner Lisa section editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of head trauma rehabilitation. Volume 30:Issue 4(2015:Jul./Aug.)
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: civilian injuries -- epidemiology -- predictors -- PTSD -- posttraumatic amnesia -- posttraumatic stress disorder -- traumatic brain injury; Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Brain damage -- Periodicals; 617.4810443
• DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9701

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To explore the relation between posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) and posttraumatic stress symptoms in traumatic brain injury. Design: Single-site prospective cohort study. Participants: A total of 1114 individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years with a traumatic brain injury seen on average 3 months following injury. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to their duration of PTA: less than 1 hour; 1 to 24 hours; 24 hours to 1 week; and more than 1 week. Main Measures: Glasgow Coma Scale, PTA, computed tomographic brain scan abnormalities, Impact of Event Scale, the 28-item General Health Questionnaire, and Rivermead Postconcussion Disorder Questionnaire. Results: The duration of PTA less than 1 hour was associated with more avoidant ( P < .01) and intrusive ( P < .001) posttraumatic stress symptoms and more anxiety according to the General Health Questionnaire ( P < .01) than other groups. Regression analysis identified PTA and 3 concussive symptoms (light sensitivity, noise intolerance, and difficulties concentrating) as independent predictors of intrusive posttraumatic stress symptoms. Conclusion: Our data, representative of the full range of traumatic brain injury severity, indicate that a brief duration of PTA is a significant risk factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The persistence of certain symptoms of postconcussion disorder adds to the risk by possibly acting as a trigger for reminders of the traumatic event.