Applicability of neural reserve theory in mild traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study was to examine whether neural reserve influenced the duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).


METHODS
The relationship between duration of PTA and both IQ and education was examined in a group of 59 MTBI patients. In addition, the effects of factors that could potentially diminish neural reserve, namely pre-injury hazardous alcohol consumption, pre-injury marijuana use, previous neurological damage, age and post-injury emotional distress on PTA duration were analysed.


RESULTS
Significant, negative associations between PTA duration and both IQ and education were revealed. None of the other variables that were examined were significantly related to PTA duration.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings were interpreted as providing preliminary evidence to suggest that reference to neural reserve may help explain between-subject variability in acute response to MTBI.
Dawson
Katie S
KS
Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Batchelor
Jennifer
J
Meares
Susanne
S
Chapman
Jennifer
J
Marosszeky
Jeno E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D000647:Amnesia / Q000209:etiology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020127:Recovery of Function; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome