Research Paper Title

Cognitive Function and other Risk Factors for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Men: Nationwide Cohort Study.

Study Question

Does a mild traumatic brain injury result in lower cognitive function?

Summary Answer

Cognitive function was similar in men with mild traumatic brain injuries before and after cognitive testing.

What is Known and What this Paper Adds

Previous retrospective studies have found lower cognitive function after a mild traumatic brain injury in several areas including attention, working memory, episodic memory, verbal learning, and processing speed. Low cognitive function was found in men who later sustained mild traumatic brain injuries, suggesting that low cognitive function may be a risk factor rather than a the long term consequence of such injuries.

Source: BMJ 2013;346:f723.