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Neurological Rehabilitation

Higher Symptom Burden Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Negatively Affects Quality of Life in Middle Aged and Older Adults

Thursday, October 23, 2025
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM MT
Location: Kiosk 10
Disclosure(s):
Peyton Huslig, Other: No financial relationships to disclose
Linda J. D'Silva, PhD, PT: No financial relationships to disclose
Background and/or Objectives: Close to 31% of individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) report symptoms persisting beyond three months. These ongoing physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms can negatively affect quality of life (QoL). This study examined the relationship between symptom severity, QoL, and time since injury in people experiencing persistent symptoms after mTBI.

Design: Cross-sectional comparative study

Setting : Outpatient neurology clinic and community-based recruitment

Participants : Convenience sample of 39 adults aged 40–80 years.

Interventions: Not applicable

Main Outcome Measures: WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical, psychological, social, environmental) and PCSS total and domain scores (physical, cognitive, affective, sleep-arousal).

Results: This study included 21 controls and 18 individuals with mTBI (mean age 55.22 ± 11.76). PCSS scores were significantly higher in the mTBI group and QoL was significantly lower in the mTBI group for all domains (p < 0.001). Fourteen individuals with mTBI reported headaches (average 7.86/10) or neck pain (average 4.89/10) while only three controls reported any pain symptoms (average 3.67/10). Physical Health QoL was moderately correlated with Physical and Sleep-Arousal symptom domains (p < 0.05). Psychological QoL was moderately correlated with Affective symptoms (p < 0.05). Environmental QoL was moderately correlated with all four symptom domains (p < 0.05). Time since injury was not associated with symptoms or QoL.

Conclusions: The high rate of pain in the mTBI group suggests ongoing discomfort may significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being. Compared to controls, individuals with persistent symptoms following mTBI report poor sleep, limited leisure opportunities, and dissatisfaction with their living conditions and physical surroundings. These factors contribute significantly to their lower quality of life scores.