Telephone follow-up of mild traumatic brain injury; A feasibility study

Background & Objective This study investigates the prevalence of Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) one-year post-injury in patients that were treated for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) of Cork University Hospital’s (CUH) Emergency Department. Methods Adults treated for mTBI in 2013 completed a telephone questionnaire comprising the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), the Short Form 12 (SF-12), and the EuroQol Health Outcome Assessment Tool (EQ5D5L). Results There were 112 patients identified. Of these, 57 (51%) were successfully contacted. The median age was 40 (IQR 27.5 – 57.5) and 58% were male. The most common mechanism of injury was a mechanical fall (28%). PCS of at least mild severity was present in 12 (21%). Overall, females tended to have worse outcomes (mean Physical Function score; males: females, 97.7: 76; p < 0.004). Conclusions mTBI patients continue to suffer from PCS at one-year post-injury and females had a worse physical function outcome.