A recent study conducted by a group of American universities, including Harvard University, has found that most people who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury are still experiencing reduced quality of life and specific symptoms related to the injury at 5 years post-injury. The study found persistently elevated rates of unfavourable outcomes including depression, cognitive decline, and physical disability in people with mTBI than those of controls over a 5-year period of study. When asked to comment on the findings of the study, Dr Randy Beck of the Institute of Functional Neuroscience in Perth, Australia stated “The results of this study are important because most studies looking at concussion have concluded at 6 months to 1-year post-concussion, so we have not had a good cohort study over a significant period to evaluate how the long-term effects of concussion can affect our lives. Clinically, we see the long-term effects daily, but it is always good to support independent research as a foundation for treatment.”
The study also found increased mortality rates, probably related to cognitive decline and depression in patients with mTBI compared to control subjects.
“This study demonstrates that more long-term monitoring and neurorehabilitation are needed in the management of concussion. Clinicians at the Institute have developed very effective non-invasive approaches to concussion rehabilitation and use EEG to monitor the recovery process.”
If you would like more information on concussion or other neurological conditions, please contact the Institute of Functional Neuroscience at 618 6254 2282 or via email at [email protected]
Reference
Nelson LD, Temkin NR, Barber J, et al. Functional Recovery, Symptoms, and Quality of Life 1 to 5 Years After Traumatic Brain Injury. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(3):e233660. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.3660
