Sleep–wake disturbances 3 years after traumatic brain injury. Issue 12 (30th September 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kempf, Julia; Werth, Esther; Kaiser, Philippe R; Bassetti, Claudio L; Baumann, Christian R
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 81:Issue 12(2010)
• Page Start: 1402
• Page End: 1405
• Publication Date: 2010-09-30
• Subjects: Sleep; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2009.201913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: 6 months after traumatic brain injury (TBI), almost three out of four patients suffer from sleep–wake disturbances (SWD) such as post-traumatic hypersomnia (increased sleep need of ≥2 h compared with before injury), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), fatigue and insomnia. The long-term course of post-traumatic SWD, however, is unknown. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of post-traumatic SWD 3 years after trauma. Design: Prospective longitudinal clinical study in 51 consecutive TBI patients (43 males, eight females, mean age 40±16 years). Main outcome measures: EDS (as assessed by the Epworth sleepiness scale), fatigue (fatigue severity scale), post-traumatic hypersomnia (sleep length per 24 h), insomnia, depression and anxiety. Results: Post-traumatic SWD were found in 34 patients (67%): post-traumatic hypersomnia in 14 (27%), EDS in six (12%), fatigue in 18 patients (35%) and insomnia in five patients (10%). SWD were not associated with severity or localisation of, or time interval since, TBI. Insomnia was linked to depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This prospective study shows that 3 years after TBI, two out of three patients suffer from residual SWD, particularly fatigue and post-traumatic hypersomnia. In 45% of TBI patients, SWD appear directly related to the trauma itself.