Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate measures of activity, participation and quality of life 3
months after mild traumatic brain injury and the effect of an early intervention
for patients with an estimated high risk for problems after mild traumatic brain
injury. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients attending the emergency room with mild
traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients
reporting < 3 symptoms after 10 days were considered to have a low risk for
prolonged problems. Patients with >/= 3 symptoms (high-risk patients) were
randomized to a visit to a physician or treatment-as-usual. Data on self-reported
limitations in activity, restrictions in participation, and quality of life were
collected for all patients at 3 months. RESULTS: At 3 months post-injury,
low-risk patients reported good quality of life and significantly fewer problems
in everyday life compared with high-risk patients. The intervention had no effect
on activity, participation or quality of life. CONCLUSION: Patients who report
few symptoms early after mild traumatic brain injury are likely to have a good
outcome regarding activity and participation. The intervention offered in this
study, focusing on reassurance of a good outcome and treatment of comorbidities,
had no effect.

Langue : ANGLAIS