Mild traumatic brain injury in an insured population: subjective complaints and return to employment

Brain Inj. 1992 Mar-Apr;6(2):161-6. doi: 10.3109/02699059209029654.

Abstract

The great majority of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is of mild severity, with Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) of 13-15, post-traumatic amnesia of less than 48 hours and brief, if any, hospitalization. All mild TBI admissions to hospital were provided with education in the form of a brief interview and a brochure on minor head trauma from the National Head Injury Foundation. Seventy-seven insured individuals with mild TBI were contacted by phone between 1 and 3 months post-injury to determine the frequency and severity of post-traumatic symptoms and the rate of return to work (RTW). Twenty-six per cent of those contacted had subjective complaints; 88% had returned to work or school; 16% of those returning did so with some symptoms. Only 45% of symptomatic individuals sought medical consultation for their condition when offered. Education about post-traumatic symptoms from the onset may provide sufficient reassurance to most individuals that future use of medical services is seen as unnecessary. Rate of RTW is relatively higher than reported in previous studies of mild TBI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / psychology
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / rehabilitation*
  • Brain Injuries / psychology
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Accident*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational / psychology*
  • Sick Role*