The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyInjury-specific correlates of combat-related traumatic brain injury in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has increased during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan compared with 20th century military conflicts. The aim of this study was to elucidate injury-specific correlates of combat-related TBI that have yet to be clearly defined. ⋯ Most incidents of TBI occurring during Operation Iraqi Freedom are mild in severity and a result of blast mechanisms. Multiple injuries were common, particularly as severity of TBI increased. Further research is needed to determine effects of combat-related TBI on rehabilitative and adverse health outcomes.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Sep 2010
Traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and postconcussive symptom reporting among troops returning from iraq.
Analyze the contribution of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the endorsement of postconcussive (PC) symptoms during Post Deployment Health Assessment. Determine whether a combination of mTBI and PTSD was more strongly associated with symptoms than either condition alone. ⋯ In soldiers with histories of physical injury, mTBI and PTSD were independently associated with PC symptom reporting. Those with both conditions were at greater risk for PC symptoms than those with either PTSD, mTBI, or neither. Findings support the importance of continued screening for both conditions with the aim of early identification and intervention.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Sep 2010
Multicenter StudyReliability and diagnostic characteristics of the JFK coma recovery scale-revised: exploring the influence of rater's level of experience.
To confirm the reliability and diagnostic validity of the JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) across raters with varying levels of experience. ⋯ The CRS-R is a reliable tool for diagnosing vegetative state and minimally conscious state. Raters' level of experience influences the reliability of the CRS-R scores.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Sep 2010
Clinical and methodological challenges with assessing mild traumatic brain injury in the military.
A vast majority of traumatic brain injuries sustained by military personnel are mild in severity. In 2008, the United States Department of Defense officially mandated a screening program designed to identify deployment-related mild traumatic brain injuries and associated residual symptoms. ⋯ This article reviews this screening program, illustrates the clinical and methodological challenges associated with screening, and makes recommendations for improving the process of screening for mild traumatic brain injuries and related symptoms.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Jul 2010
Review Meta AnalysisCan low serum levels of S100B predict normal CT findings after minor head injury in adults?: an evidence-based review and meta-analysis.
To determine whether low levels of S100B in serum can predict normal computed tomography (CT) findings after minor head injury (MHI) in adults. ⋯ Low serum S100B levels accurately predict normal CT findings after MHI in adults. S100B sampling should be considered in MHI patients with no focal neurological deficit, an absence of significant extracerebral injury, should be taken within 3 hours of injury, and the cutoff for omitting CT set at less than 0.10 microg/L. Care givers should also be aware of other clinical factors predictive of intracranial complications after MHI.