PTSD 'complicates brain injury'RSS Feed

Patients with traumatic brain injury who develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a higher risk of developing complications, according to new research.

The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, found that brain injury patients with PTSD are more likely to have a higher number of health problems and worse cognitive function a year later.

Dr Zatzick, of the University of Washington School of Medicine, led the study which used telephone interviews to asses reasoning and problem solving, memory, attention and concentration and thinking.

Researchers found that average cognitive scales ranged from approximately 78 to 84 in patients who were not suffering from PTSD while patients with the disorder had a cognitive scale of 40 to 60.

Although the study did not take into account factors such as duration of coma, posttraumatic amnesia or neuropsychological or neuro-radiologic evaluations, the researchers said they cannot rule out the possibility that cognitive impairment could be worsening PTSD symptoms.

This comes after the American Association of Neurological Surgeons warned about an increased risk of brain injury during the Christmas season due to factors such as bad weather.

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Posted by Matthew Heap
 

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