PREMORBID HISTORY AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

The literature is replete with studies investigating predictors of out comes in traumatic brain injury. Few, however, have addressed the prem orbid life events and behaviors that may significantly impact the phys ical, behavioral, cognitive, and/or psychosocial and vocational status of individuals after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Findings of stud ies on premorbid history are reviewed and data are presented on a samp le of 82 cases on which premorbid psychosocial information, severity o f initial injury and outcome status were obtained. Cases were dichotom ized into groups at high risk and at low risk for TBI, based on premor bid history. High risk and low risk groups were comparable in the seve rity of initial injury. Outcomes were defined by the Functional Indepe ndence Measure and the Disability Rating Scale scores at 1 year after injury. No differences were found in FIMTM Or DRS scores between those with and without premorbid learning disability, psychiatric history, incarcerations, arrests, academic difficulties, or substance abuse. Ex planations for the lack of significant differences are discussed. Base d on experience in completing this study, a screening tool incorporati ng documentation of a number of premorbid factors that might impact st atus at outcome is presented. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.