Abstract Details

Title TBI and Post-concussion Symptoms in a Sample of Post-9/11 Veterans

Topic Neuro Trauma and Critical Care

Presentation(s) P5 - Poster Session 5 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 4-004

Objective

The aim of this study is to quantify the relationship between exposure to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) in a large group of post-9/11 veterans.

Background

The long-term risks of TBI and repeated non-concussive head impacts have received increasing attention in the last twenty years. At this time, there is still a controversy around the relationship between exposure to TBI and other head impacts as a risk factor for chronic symptoms. Recent case studies have implicated even low-level blast exposure as a potential risk for neurological decline in life and a distinct neuropathology on autopsy, interface astroglial scarring.

Design/Methods

Data from post-9/11 service members and veterans (SMVs) who have applied to UCLA Health’s Operation Mend were analyzed for this study. SMVs completed an adapted version of the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method along with screening questions for TBI in military personnel and the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ).

Results

From 705 SMVs (age mean = 39.4 yrs, SD = 8.4 yrs; 88% male) between January 2016 and May 2019, more than 80% report having been near a blast or explosion during deployment. On the RPQ, more than 90% report three or more moderate or severe symptoms, an average of 11 symptoms overall (SD = 4.4) and a score of 44.4 points (SD = 13.0) on a scale of 0 to 64 possible points. We found no significant correlation between the number of different mechanisms of lifetime head or neck injuries and RPQ score.

Conclusions

The number of different mechanisms of injury alone was not a reliable predictor of symptoms in this highly symptomatic population. This illustrates a need for higher resolution brain injury exposure data. The next step will be to investigate whether repeated low-level blast exposure is a unique predictor of neurological outcomes.

Authors/Disclosures
Alvin Nyaboga, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Nyaboga has nothing to disclose.
Delany Thrasher, PhD	Dr. Thrasher has nothing to disclose.
Sabine Kunrath, MSc, MPH	Ms. Kunrath has nothing to disclose.
Christine S. Chang, EdM, MSW	Mrs. Chang has nothing to disclose.
Christopher Giza, MD, FAAN (UCLA, Depts of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery)	Dr. Giza has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Medical Network Speakers Bureau. Dr. Giza has stock in Highmark Interactive. The institution of Dr. Giza has received research support from UCLA: Brain Injury Research Center, Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Easton Clinic for Brain Health. Dr. Giza has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Giza has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisory Board with Major League Soccer that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Giza has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisory Board with National Basketball Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Giza has a non-compensated relationship as a Consultant with United States Soccer Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Giza has a non-compensated relationship as a Co-founder & Advisor with Symptomwise that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Kevin Bickart, MD, PhD (UCLA)	Dr. Bickart has nothing to disclose.

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