Epidemiology and predictors of post-concussive syndrome after minor head injury in an emergency population

OBJECTIVE: To determine if clinical variables or neurobehavioural test (NBT) scores obtained in the ED within 24 hours of minor head injury (MHI) predict the development of postconcussive syndrome (PCS). METHODS: Prospective, observational study of 71 MHI patients and 60 orthopaedic controls. MHI defined as loss of consciousness 25 on Hopkins Verbal Learning A did not have PCS at 1 month, and 89% of females scoring < 9 on Digit Span Forward did have PCS at 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and two NBTs can help predict PCS after MHI.