Article 12: The prevalence of persistent postconcussive symptoms and self-reported functioning in an active duty population

Abstract

Objectives: To measure (1) the prevalence of postconcussive syndrome (PCS) symptoms associated with prior traumatic brain injury (TBI) and (2) their effects on the functioning of soldiers. Design: Population survey. Setting: Army paratrooper base. Participants: Convenience sample of 2055 soldiers. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported PCS symptoms and role functioning. Results: 947 soldiers reported prior TBI, nearly all of which was mild (loss of consciousness, ≤20min), and most of which (60%) occurred within the last 5 years. Soldiers with prior mild TBI reported more moderate to severe symptoms than soldiers denying prior TBI (mean symptoms, 4.2 vs 2.1), but fewer symptoms than soldiers reporting more severe TBI (mean symptoms, 5.4). Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the clusters of symptoms previously identified in a small, clinical sample by Cicerone and Kalmar (1995). Functioning correlated weakly with symptoms (with cognitive and affective symptom clusters: r range, .09–.19; P<.001). Conclusions: Even highly functioning individuals may have sequelae from prior TBI that can affect functioning.