Post-traumatic amnesia predicts long-term cerebral atrophy in traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To examine post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) and its relation to long-term cerebral atrophy in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using objective indicators of PTA duration and Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (QMRI). It was hypothesized that longer PTA would predict later generalized atrophy (increased ventricle-to-brain ratio (VBR)). As a guide in assessing patients with TBI, this study determined the probability of developing chronic cerebral atrophy based on PTA duration.


METHODS
Probability model using 60 adult patients with mild-to-severe TBI.


RESULTS
A logistic regression model with a cut-off determined by normative QMRI data confirmed that longer PTA duration predicts increased VBR. A probability model demonstrated a 6% increase in the odds of developing later atrophy on neuroimaging with each additional day of PTA.


CONCLUSIONS
PTA has previously proven to be a good indicator of later cognitive recovery and functional outcome and also predicts long-term parenchymal change.
Wilde
Elisabeth A
EA
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Houston, TX 77030, USA. ewilde@bcm.tmc.edu
Bigler
Erin D
ED
Pedroza
Claudia
C
Ryser
David K
DK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000648:Amnesia, Retrograde / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001284:Atrophy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011594:Psychometrics; D013997:Time Factors