Cognitive Rehabilitation: a Retrospective Chart Review of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Patients in Litigation

Objective Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) is a prevalent form of treatment for individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). Yet, limited research on Hispanic patients’ progression through CR limits our understanding of patient characteristics and cognitive performance post-mTBI. The goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between progress in CR and Ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic), using post-injury scores on the Neurotrax Computerized Cognitive Assessment across visits. Method A data-sharing agreement enabled the investigator to conduct a retrospective chart review of discharged patients, using neuropsychological reports to measure the progression of cognitive domains in participants (N = 45) enrolled in CR therapy at a neuropsychological rehabilitation practice in New York City from 2022–2024. Data gathered included patient demographics, cognitive performance, and information regarding treatment. Results Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between performance on the Neurotrax Cognitive Assessment, Evaluation Number, Ethnicity, and Premorbid Functioning. The evaluation number had a significant effect on the progression of five out of the eight cognitive domains. At the point of discharge, Hispanic participants performed significantly better than non-Hispanic participants in Executive Functioning (22.352, p = 0.004) and Attention (20.241, p = 0.017). Conclusion Findings from this study illustrate differences in recovery post-TBI and the progression of cognition in Hispanic patients. Differences in executive functioning and attention may be attributable to Hispanic patients migrating to the United States. Further research on cognitive differences between Hispanics in Latin American countries and the United States is needed.