No effect of an early intervention after mild traumatic brain injury on activity and participation: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

To evaluate measures of activity, participation and quality of life 3 months after mild traumatic brain injury and the effect of an early intervention for patients with an estimated high risk for problems after mild traumatic brain injury. Consecutive patients attending the emergency room with mild traumatic brain injury. Randomized controlled trial. Patients reporting < 3 symptoms after 10 days were considered to have a low risk for prolonged problems. Patients with ≥ 3 symptoms (high-risk patients) were randomized to a visit to a physician or treatment-as-usual. Data on self-reported limitations in activity, restrictions in participation, and quality of life were collected for all patients at 3 months. At 3 months post-injury, low-risk patients reported good quality of life and significantly fewer problems in everyday life compared with high-risk patients. The intervention had no effect on activity, participation or quality of life. Patients who report few symptoms early after mild traumatic brain injury are likely to have a good outcome regarding activity and participation. The intervention offered in this study, focusing on reassurance of a good outcome and treatment of comorbidities, had no effect.