Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists
-
Arch Clin Neuropsychol · Mar 2018
Premorbid IQ Predicts Postconcussive Symptoms in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans with mTBI.
Extant literature has demonstrated that symptoms of postconcussive syndrome (PCS) persist well beyond the expected 3-month post-injury recovery period in a minority of individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Suboptimal performance on validity measures and pre- and post-injury psychosocial stressors - rather than actual mTBI or current cognitive functioning - have been identified as predictors of chronic PCS. Whether premorbid IQ has any influence on chronic PCS has been understudied, in the context of established psychogenic etiologies. ⋯ The findings support premorbid IQ as a unique and relevant predictor of chronic PCS, with significance variance accounted for beyond education, cognitive functioning, and psychosocial variables. Given the predictive relationship between premorbid IQ and PCS, adapting postconcussive interventions to meet the specific needs of individuals with varying levels of intellect may be important in minimizing ongoing symptomatology.