Can Post mTBI Neurological Soft Signs Predict Postconcussive and PTSD Symptoms : A Pilot Study

Abstract

Neurological soft signs (NSS) are subtle indicators of brain dysfunction. NSS have been found to be elevated in a variety of mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they have scarcely been studied in TBI. The present study measured NSS in the acute aftermath of a mTBI and evaluated their ability to predict subsequent postconcussive symptoms. We have finished all study recruitment, enrollment, and data analysis. We screened 99 subjects via the Massachusetts General Hospital Emergency Department leading to 21 viable subjects that were enrolled, three of whom were subsequently excluded for not meeting eligibility criteria. One additional subject was lost to follow-up after completion of the first visit. The remaining 17 enrolled subjects have successfully completed the full three-month protocol. The video-recorded data for all subjects was encrypted and analyzed by our off site consultant, Dr. Gurvits, the originator of the NSS battery incurrent use. A manuscript has been prepared and awaits submission.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2014
Accession Number
AD1022008

Entities

People

  • Roger K. Pitman

Organizations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Brain Injuries
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Hospitals
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Massachusetts
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Pilot Studies
  • Psychiatry
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Systems Analysis and Design