Low Cognitive Function Is an Independent Risk Factor for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Prior mild TBI, low educational level, and low socioeconomic status also were associated with subsequent TBI.

Evidence suggests that mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes pathologic changes that might result in reduced cognitive function. However, whether lower baseline cognitive function is a risk factor for mild TBI is unclear. In this prospective cohort study, investigators determined risk factors for mild TBI in 306,000 Swedish men (mean age, 18) who were conscripted for military service from 1989 through 1994. The authors seem to consider mild TBI to be roughly interchangeable with the term “concussion.”

Cognitive testing was done at time of conscription; median follow-up was 19 years. About 4700 men had sustained one mild TBI before cognitive testing; 11,000 men sustained one mild TBI and 800 sustained two TBIs after cognitive testing. The …

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose