Long-term morbidities following self-reported mild traumatic brain injury

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of long-term psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial morbidities of self-reported mild traumatic brain injury ( MTBI). A cross-sectional cohort sample of three groups was examined: those who had not been injured in a motor vehicle accident nor had a MTBI ( n=3,214); those who had been injured in an accident but did not have a MTBI ( n=539); and those who had a MTBI with altered consciousness ( n=254). Logistic regression analyses were used to model odds ratios for the association between group and outcome variables while controlling demographic characteristics, comorbid medical conditions, and early-life psychiatric problems. Compared with uninjured controls, MTBI increased the likelihood of depression and post-concussion syndrome. MTBI also was associated with peripheral visual imperceptions and impaired tandem gait. Similarly, the MTBI group had poorer psychosocial outcomes including an increased likelihood of self-reported disability, underemployment, low income, and marital problems. Results suggest that MTBI can have adverse long-term psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial morbidities.