Citation

Dretsch M, Silverberg N, Iverson GL. J. Neurotrauma 2015; 32(17): 1301-1306.

Affiliation

National Intrepid Center of Excellence , 8901 Wisconsin Ave , Bethesda, Maryland, United States , 20889 , US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, Alabama, United States ; dretschphd@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/neu.2014.3810

PMID

25763565

Abstract

The extent to which multiple past concussions are associated with lingering symptoms or mental health problems in military service members is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between lifetime concussion history, cognitive functioning, general health, and psychological health in a large sample of fit-for-duty U.S. Army soldiers preparing for deployment. Data on 458 active-duty Soldiers were collected and analyzed. A computerized cognitive screening battery (CNS-Vital Signs®) was used to assess complex attention, reaction time, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and memory. Health questionnaires included the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), PTSD Checklist-Military Version, Zung Depression and Anxiety Scales, Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Alcohol Use and Dependency Identification Test. Soldiers with a history of multiple concussions (i.e., ≥ 3 concussions) had significantly greater post-concussive symptom scores compared to those with zero (d = 1.83, large effect), one (d = 0.64, medium effect), and two (d = 0.64, medium effect) prior concussions. Although group with >3 concussions also reported more traumatic stress symptoms, the results revealed that traumatic stress was a mediator between concussions and post-concussive symptom severity. There were no significant differences on neurocognitive testing between the number of concussions. These results add to the accumulating evidence suggesting that most individuals recover from one or two prior concussions, but there is a greater risk for ongoing symptoms if one exceeds this number of injuries.

Language: en