The incidence of post minor traumatic brain injury syndrome: a retrospective survey of treating physicians.
There is a relative lack of information in the literature regarding the epidemiology, functional significance, and clinical resolution of the consequences of minor traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Most retrospective studies to date have been elicited by direct patient interview. Because it was supposed that a minor, but significant, traumatic brain injury would require continuing medical intervention beyond the emergency room contact, a survey was conducted of primary care physicians who were believed to be providing continuing medical care. Had their patients required reevaluations for symptoms of the post-MTBI syndrome? Two hundred fifty-six patients with traumatic brain injury initially seen in the emergency room of two community hospitals were reviewed. One hundred ninety-two (75%) had MTBIs (Glasgow coma scale more than 12 and a negative head CAT scan). One hundred twenty-two physicians were surveyed by mail; 67 (55%) responded. Twenty-one percent of their patients were experiencing symptoms of the post-MTBI syndrome from two to six months after their injuries. Studies relying on patient interviews have also estimated the post-MTBI syndrome at 20%. This correlation implies that "suggestion" does not bias patient interview style research in evaluating the post-MTBI syndrome.