title: Validation of the Abbreviated Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale: a brief measure to identify acute cognitive impairment in mild traumatic brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To validate the use of the Abbreviated Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale (A-WPTAS) in the assessment of acute cognitive impairment in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Data previously collected from 82 mTBI and 88 control participants using the Revised Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale (R-WPTAS) was converted to A-WPTAS scores and pass/fail classifications were calculated for both scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The proportion of failures on the R-WPTAS and the A-WPTAS did not differ and a similar number of mTBIs were classified on each. For mTBIs the relationship between the independent memory test and a pass/fail classification was the same for both scales. Bivariate logistic regressions revealed that mTBIs, relative to controls, were around 8 times more likely to fail the assessment (R-WPTAS: 95% CI: 3.70-18.87; A-WPTAS: 95% CI: 3.70-20.14). As verbal learning improved the likelihood of failure was reduced. Greater education was associated with a decreased likelihood of failure. The relationship between education and a fail performance was not sustained when education was adjusted for the effect of age, prior mTBI, blood alcohol level, injury status, verbal learning, and morphine administration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The A-WPTAS is a valid measure. The A-WPTAS may reduce the risk of failing to classify patients with mTBI by identifying and documenting acute cognitive impairment.
authors: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Susanne
authors: S
authors: Meares
authors: E Arthur
authors: EA
authors: Shores
authors: Alan J
authors: AJ
authors: Taylor
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Lammél
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Batchelor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000647:Amnesia; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014705:Verbal Behavior; D055815:Young Adult