Telephone Follow-Up on Outcome After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

This study examines the effect of scheduled telephone calls on the outcome after mild
traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion. These calls offer subjects information, focused
counseling, and referrals. MTBI is extremely common in the United States, numbering well over
a million cases per year. Although recovery for most is quite good, 10-20% of persons have
persisting symptoms that affect employment, quality of life, and health care expenses. We are
examining one means to decrease persisting symptoms by offering early, consistent
intervention before symptoms become persistent.

The subjects are enrolled in the emergency departments (ED) of the hospital and receive the
baseline assessment while still in the ED. Subjects are randomly assigned to two groups:
Group 1 standard care and Group 2 standard care, toll-free telephone number, and scheduled
telephone calls for follow-up at 1-2 days, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after injury. All subjects
are contacted again at 6 months for an outcome assessment that is done over the telephone.

On the telephone, subjects are asked about current problems, and are given both information
about recovery from MTBI and some counseling on dealing with symptoms or other complaints.
They are also given community resources to obtain assistance if needed. Telephone call are
reviewed by supervisors (physician and psychologist) for adherence to protocol and for
training purposes.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis consistent with mild traumatic brain injury

- Glasgow Coma Scale score 13-15

- Loss of consciousness less than or = to 30 minutes

- Any period of alteration of consciousness or post-traumatic amnesia

- age between 16 and 80

- permanent address

- ability to communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria:

- hospitalization within previous year for traumatic brain injury

- prior or current diagnosis of central nervous system or major psychiatric disorder

- Intoxication sufficient enough to cloud the diagnosis of mild TBI

- current alcohol dependence