Prognostic factors for unfavorable outcome after mild traumatic brain injury. A review of literature

Abstract

Background: Unfavorable outcomes occur in 15-20% of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Early identification of patients at risk of unfavorable outcome is crucial for suitable management to be initiated, increasing the chances of full recovery. Many studies have been published on prognostic factors, but are not of a high level of evidence and certainty. A number of factors have been proposed and predictive models have been constructed that, although attractive, have not yet been externally validated.

Objectives: A review of literature (systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar) assembled relevant available information about prognostic factors for unfavorable outcome after mTBI. We discuss the consistency of these findings, and the possibility and difficulty of using these factors in a daily practice.

Results: It appears that the strongest and most consistent predictors are the number, severity and duration of symptoms present in the first few days after the trauma.

Keywords: Facteur pronostique; Mild traumatic brain injury; Outcome; Prognostic factor; Traumatisme cranio-cérébral léger; Évolution.