Article

Long-term consequences of mild traumatic brain injuries
were investigated based on a 10-year follow-up of patients from a previously-published randomized controlled study of mild traumatic brain
injuries. One aim was to describe changes over time after mild traumatic brain
injuries in terms of the extent of persisting post-concussion symptoms, life
satisfaction, perceived health, activities of daily living, changes in life roles
and sick leave. Another aim was to identify differences between the intervention
and control groups. PATIENTS: The intervention group comprised 142 persons and
the control group 56 persons. METHODS: Postal questionnaires with a response rate
of 56%. RESULTS: No differences over time were found for the intervention and
control groups in terms of post-concussion symptoms. In the intervention group
some variables in life satisfaction, perceived health and daily life were
decreased. Some roles had changed over the years for both groups. No other
differences between the intervention and control groups were found. However, in
both groups sick leave decreased. CONCLUSION: Early individual intervention by a
qualified rehabilitation team does not appear to impact on the long-term outcome
for persons with symptoms related to mild traumatic brain injuries. The status
after approximately 3 weeks is indicative of the status after 10 years.

Langue : ANGLAIS