Citation

Schultz R, Tate RL, Perdices M. Neuropsychol. Rehabil. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09602011.2021.1882507

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Neuropsychologists are commonly asked practical questions about cognitive recovery in the first year following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), however guiding evidence to provide answers is limited. The design of this longitudinal study rectifies methodological problems in the literature by taking serial assessments on a monthly basis from 3- to 12-months post-trauma in a severe TBI sample (n = 23), and using four alternate forms of a brief yet sensitive cognitive assessment battery. Fifteen variables sampling seven cognitive domains were used: orientation, attention, processing speed, executive function, memory, language and visuospatial function. A matched control group (n = 23) was used to establish equivalence of the four alternate forms (no statistically significant differences), document practice effects (no statistically significant differences), and provide a comparison standard of cognitive functioning against which to interpret the TBI recovery curves. Twenty-one of 23 consenting TBI participants continued with the serial assessments. Hierarchical growth model analyses typically revealed linear recovery trajectories over the first 12 months. However, by 12-months post-trauma, a significant proportion (up to 36%) had residual mild to severe impairments in various cognitive domains. These results provide detailed information about patterns of cognitive recovery that also have direct clinical application.

Language: en

Keywords

Traumatic brain injury; Cognition disorders; Neuropsychological recovery; Practice effects; Psychometric tests