Balance after mild traumatic brain injury

• 出 处: 中华物理医学与康复杂志
• 发表日期: 2018年40期

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered to be the signature wound of the Middle East conflicts following 9/11. It has been estimated that 19% of those deployed soldiers have sustained a TBI, 80% of which are mild. Additionally, 20% of those who sustain a mild TBI may develop postconcussion syndrome, which may include postural instability or imbalance. This study explored the relationship between postural instability and mild TBI.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CECN), an observational study of the late effects of deployment in Afghanistan or Iraq. Subjects with a history of mild TBI were recruited from three sites. Records were reviewed for the frequency of TBI, as well as for the presence of post-traumatic amnesia and blast exposure. All participants were assessed with computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) testing and the Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Comparisons were made between 273 with mild TBI and 49 with no TBI.

RESULTS

Compared to those without a history of TBI, those with mild TBI obtained no worse CDP scores. Those with three or more mTBIs earned worse scores than those with two or fewer lifetime mTBIs. Compared to those without a TBI history, those with a positive history had increased pain interference measures, with this finding more pronounced among those with three or more mTBIs.

CONCLUSION

This study of veterans of the Middle Eastern conflicts suggests that those with a history of three or more mild traumatic brain injuries have reduced balance performance.