Predictors of the duration of post-traumatic amnesia following traumatic brain injury

Introduction. The duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) helps estimate the level of recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet, little information is available about which sociodemographic and clinical variables influence its duration. This study aims to identify them and create a predictive model that makes it possible to estimate the time it takes for a patient to emerge from PTA. Patients and methods. The sample consisted of 40 adult patients with PTA admitted to a neurorehabilitation centre. A total of 89.7% had suffered a severe TBI, whereas the remaining 10.3% had had a moderate TBI. Cognitive status was assessed using the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) - a scale for determining at what point a patient can be considered to be emerging from PTA. Results. A regression equation was found (F = 8.511; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.415), in which the following variables (ranked in order of importance) explained 41.5% of the variability observed in the duration of PTA: a) GOAT administered on arrival at the neurorehabilitation centre; b) years of formal education of the patient; and c) days with PTA prior to admission to the neurorehabilitation centre. The equation derived was as follows: 104.284 + (-0.708 x GOAT-initial) + (-4.124 x years formal education) + (0.219 x hospital acute-APT). Conclusions. The time it takes for a patient to emerge from PTA is conditioned by the score obtained in the first GOAT administered on admission to the neurorehabilitation centre, their level of education, and the number of days elapsed with PTA between occurrence of the TBI and admission to the neurorehabilitation centre.