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Neuropsychiatric Outcomes in UK Military Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Vestibular Dysfunction

Denby, Emma, Murphy, Dominic, Busuttil, Walter, Sakel, Mohamed, Wilkinson, David (2019) Neuropsychiatric Outcomes in UK Military Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Vestibular Dysfunction. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 35 (1). pp. 57-65. ISSN 0885-9701. E-ISSN 1550-509X. (doi:10.1097/HTR.0000000000000468) (KAR id:72895)

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the frequency of vestibular dysfunction following blunt, blast, and blunt & blast mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and thereon assess the long-term impact of vestibular dysfunction on neurobehavioral function and disability independently of co-morbid psychiatric symptoms. Setting: Combat Stress residential and Veterans’ Outreach drop-in centres for psychological support. Participants: 162 help-seeking UK military veterans. Main measures: Self-reported frequency and severity of mTBI (using the Ohio State Identification Method), Vertigo Symptom Scale, PTSD checklist for DSM5, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, HIT6, Memory Complaints Inventory, WHO Disability Assessment Scale 2.0. Results: 72% of the sample reported one or more mTBI over their lifetime. Chi-square analyses indicated that vestibular disturbance, which affected 69% of participants, was equally prevalent following blunt (59%) or blast (47%) injury and most prevalent following blunt and blast combined (83%). Mediation analysis indicated that when PTSD, depression and anxiety were taken into account, vestibular dysfunction in participants with mTBI was directly and independently associated with increased postconcussive symptoms and functional disability. Conclusion: Vestibular dysfunction is common after combined blunt and blast mTBI and singularly predictive of poor long-term mental health. From a treatment perspective, vestibular rehabilitation may provide relief from postconcussive symptoms other than dizziness and imbalance.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000468
Uncontrolled keywords: Balance, mTBI, blast, blunt, veterans.
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
R Medicine
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Funders: [37325] UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User: David Wilkinson
Date Deposited: 07 Mar 2019 14:53 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 16:46 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/72895 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Wilkinson, David.

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