Neurobehavioural symptoms one year after a head injury

Author(s): Lyons, I., Koutzoukis, C.

Journal/Book: Brit J Psychiat. 1999; 174: British Journal of Psychiatry 17 Belgrave Square, London, England SW1X 8Pg. Royal College Of Psychiatrists. 360-365.

Abstract: Background Neurobehavioural symptoms are common immediately after a minor head injury but have not been studied one year after the injury. Aims To estimate the rate and pattern of neurobehavioural symptoms one year after a head injury of varying severity Method Adults who had been hospitalised after a head injury (n = 196, 164 of whom had a face-to-face interview) and showed indirect evidence of brain assault were assessed for the presence of neurobehavioural symptoms with the help of a behaviour rating scale. Results About 40% had-three or more symptoms. Individual symptoms varied among 3%(social disinhibition), 15% (lack of initiative) and 35% (irritability) of the cohort. Premorbid factors such as lower social class and lower educational achievement, head-injury-related factors such a low Glasgow coma score, and outcome-related factors such as the presence of a disability according to the Edinburgh Rehabilitation Status Scale and psychiatric caseness according to the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised, significantly influenced the rate and the pattern of behavioural symptoms. The pattern of symptoms varied between age groups and according to the severity of the head injury. Conclusions A significant proportion of patients with varying degrees of severity of head injury showed behavioural symptoms after one-year of head injury. Declaration of interest Study funded by the Welsh Office.

Note: Article Deb S, Univ Wales Coll Med, Div Psychol Med, Heath Pk, Cardiff CF4 4XN, S Glam, WALES

Keyword(s): POSTCONCUSSIONAL-SYNDROME; SEQUELAE

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