Citation

Brooks BL, Low T, Daya H, Khan S, Mikrogianakis A, Barlow K. J. Neurotrauma 2016; 33(23): 2091-2096.

Affiliation

University of Calgary, Medicine/Paediatrics , C1-322 , 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW , Calgary, Alberta, Canada , T3B 6A8 ; karen.barlow@albertahealthservices.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/neu.2015.4301

PMID

26936646

Abstract

Rest is commonly prescribed following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). There is concern that cognitive exertion by an acutely or sub-acutely injured brain may negatively alter outcome. The objective of this study was to determine if computerized cognitive testing in the emergency department alters symptom outcome from mTBI. Participants included 77 youth with mTBI who underwent computerized cognitive testing (mean age=13.6, 95%CI=13.0-14.2) and were matched to 77 youth with mTBI who did not participate in cognitive testing (mean age=13.5, 95%CI=12.9-14.0). Those participants who underwent cognitive testing did not differ from those who did not undergo acute cognitive testing on mean symptom ratings or the proportion who were not recovered at 7-10 days, one month, two months, or three months. There was also no difference in symptom outcome for those who underwent a shortened (four subtests, mean time=16 minutes) or full length (seven subtests, mean time=28 minutes) version of the computerized test. Brief cognitive exertion using a computerized cognitive assessment after mTBI in youth does not result in worse symptoms at these follow-up periods, does not prolong symptom recovery, should not be considered contraindicated to recovery, and could be considered as another tool to aid in the management of these injuries. Further research with different samples is warranted.

Language: en