Recovery After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients Presenting to US Level I Trauma Centers: A Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) Study

Abstract

Question How common are persistent, injury-related functional limitations following mild traumatic brain injury vs orthopedic trauma? Findings In this cohort study of 1154 patients with mild traumatic brain injury and 299 patients with orthopedic trauma serving as controls, 53% of participants with mild traumatic brain injury reported impairment 12 months postinjury vs 38% of those with orthopedic trauma. Patients with intracranial abnormalities had the poorest outcomes; however, patients without abnormalities also reported problems at 12 months. Meaning Many patients who present to level I trauma centers with mild traumatic brain injury experience difficulties at 12 months postinjury, suggesting that this injury is not always benign; better follow-up and treatment appear to be needed.