The impact of age on outcome 2 years after traumatic brain injury: Case control study

Background

Age is associated with outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there are mixed findings across outcome domains and most studies lack controls.

Objectives

This cross-sectional study examined the association between age group (15–24 years, 25–34 years, 35–44 years, 45–54 years, 55–64 years, and 65 years or more) and outcomes 2 years after TBI in independence in daily activities, driving, public transportation use, employment, leisure activities, social integration, relationships and emotional functioning, relative to healthy controls. It was hypothesized that older individuals with TBI would have significantly poorer outcomes than controls in all domains except anxiety and depression, for which it was expected they would show better outcomes. Global functional outcome (measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended) was also examined, and we hypothesized that older adults would have poorer outcomes than younger adults.

Methods

Participants were 1897 individuals with TBI (mean, SD age 36.7, 17.7 years) who completed measures 2 years post-injury and 110 healthy controls (age 38.3, 17.5 years).

Results

Compared to controls, individuals with TBI were less independent in most activities of daily living, participated less in leisure activities and employment, and were more socially isolated, anxious and depressed (p < 0.001). Those who were older in age were disproportionately less likely to be independent in light domestic activities, shopping and driving; and participated less in occupational activities relative to controls. Functional outcome was significantly higher in the youngest age group than in all older age groups (p < 0.001), but the younger groups were more likely to report being socially isolated (p < 0.001), depressed (p = 0.005) and anxious (p = 0.02), and less likely to be married or in a relationship (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A greater focus is needed on addressing psychosocial issues in younger individuals with TBI, whereas those who are older may require more intensive therapy to maximise independence in activities of daily living and return to employment.