Long Term Effects of MTBI and PTSD
There has been much research with regard to the long term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as independent conditions. However, there has been very little research studying the combined effect of MTBI and PTSD.
This month’s Journal of Neurotrauma contains an article by Walter High, M.D. and his colleagues at the University of Kentucky, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery and Psychology. Dr. High and his colleagues conducted a multi site study looking at the collective as well as the individual effects of MTBI and PTSD on an individual’s psychological, and cognitive functioning abilities.
The participants in the studies underwent a series of neuropsychological testing to measure their cognitive functioning. The participants were classified as MTBI only, PTSD only, or both. The results of the studies suggested that veterans suffering from both PTSD and MTBI have a poor cognitive and psychological outcome than those diagnosed with only one of the two conditions. A link to the University of Kentucky press release can be found here.