Citation

Zollman FS, Starr C, Kondiles B, Cyborski C, Larson EB. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2014; 29(1): 99-107.

Affiliation

Memory and Cognitive Disorders Program, Department of Neurology, NorthShore University Health System, Glenview, Illinois (Dr Zollman); Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (Mss Starr and Kondiles and Dr Larson); Rehabilitation Services, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Cyborski); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois (Dr Larson).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0b013e318294dd37

PMID

23756432

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is referred to as the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Given the prevalence of TBI in military personnel, there is a need for validated instruments tailored to accurately screen for TBI in this population. METHODS:: Three hundred service members or veterans underwent a novel screen and a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to identify the occurrence of TBI and/or the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder. Negative predictive value, positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. RESULTS:: This screening tool for TBI yielded sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 64%, negative predictive value of 95%, and positive predictive value of 69%. CONCLUSION:: The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Military Traumatic Brain Injury Screening Instrument has a high negative predictive value and high sensitivity for TBI. This tool identifies individuals likely to have sustained a TBI. Moreover, it detects those who are likely not to have sustained such an injury and can be reassured in this regard. Because such distinction can be made with a high degree of accuracy in rapid and cost-effective fashion, it represents an important contribution to the armamentarium of TBI screening tools.

Language: en