Memory impairment after mild traumatic brain injury.

Concerns of memory impairment are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Acute effects after mTBI may include posttraumatic amnesia, which may last up to 24 hours. In the postacute phase, memory concerns are usually linked with increased distractibility; impaired attention, working memory, retrieval; and executive dysfunction. These acute and postacute impairments have distinct neuroanatomic and pathophysiologic correlates. Cognitive assessment should be undertaken during the acute phase after an mTBI using a standardized tool that can be administered quickly and is sensitive to cognitive impairment. Early validation of the patient's symptoms and concerns (especially the expectation of recovery), coupled with educational and emotional support after the mTBI, remains the core approach to treatment. The effects of comorbidities, recurrent mTBIs, and blast exposures in military personnel on protracted symptoms and long-term cognitive deficits will be discussed.