Daniel Shepherd1, Jason Landon2, Mathew Kalloor2, Suzanne Barker-Collo3, Nicola Starkey4, Kelly Jones5, Shanthi Ameratunga6, Alice Theadom2. 1. Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. daniel.shepherd@aut.ac.nz. 2. Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. 3. School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 4. School of Psychology, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. 5. School of Public Health, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. 6. School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Sensory impairment is a common aftereffect of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, their influence upon treatment outcomes and quality of life has yet to be investigated. This study sought to determine the effects of noise and light sensitivity upon the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with a TBI. METHODS: A cross-sectional adult sample obtained from a longitudinal study (n = 293) provided measures of light and noise sensitivity and quality of life 12 months post injury. Sensitivities were taken from the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, while quality of life was estimated using the Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Approximately 42% of participants reported ongoing difficulties with noise and light sensitivity. Additionally, those reporting sensory difficulties also reported lower SF-36 domain and composite scores compared to those reporting no such symptoms. After controlling for known co-factors, hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that the combination of light and noise sensitivity explained between 8 and 35% of the variance in SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Light and noise sensitivity appear to degrade the quality of life of those with a mild TBI. Our findings challenge contemporary rehabilitation practices that tend to sideline sensory complaints and instead focus on the remediation of acute TBI symptoms.
PURPOSE:Sensory impairment is a common aftereffect of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, their influence upon treatment outcomes and quality of life has yet to be investigated. This study sought to determine the effects of noise and light sensitivity upon the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with a TBI. METHODS: A cross-sectional adult sample obtained from a longitudinal study (n = 293) provided measures of light and noise sensitivity and quality of life 12 months post injury. Sensitivities were taken from the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, while quality of life was estimated using the Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Approximately 42% of participants reported ongoing difficulties with noise and light sensitivity. Additionally, those reporting sensory difficulties also reported lower SF-36 domain and composite scores compared to those reporting no such symptoms. After controlling for known co-factors, hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that the combination of light and noise sensitivity explained between 8 and 35% of the variance in SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Light and noise sensitivity appear to degrade the quality of life of those with a mild TBI. Our findings challenge contemporary rehabilitation practices that tend to sideline sensory complaints and instead focus on the remediation of acute TBI symptoms.
Authors: Marcus H Heitger; Richard D Jones; Chris M Frampton; Michael W Ardagh; Tim J Anderson Journal: J Rehabil Med Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 2.912
Authors: José E Capó-Aponte; Thomas G Urosevich; Leonard A Temme; Aaron K Tarbett; Navjit K Sanghera Journal: Mil Med Date: 2012-07 Impact factor: 1.437
Authors: Daphne C Voormolen; Suzanne Polinder; Nicole von Steinbuechel; Pieter E Vos; Maryse C Cnossen; Juanita A Haagsma Journal: Injury Date: 2018-12-07 Impact factor: 2.586
Authors: Melissa E Martenson; Omar I Halawa; Karen J Tonsfeldt; Charlene A Maxwell; Nora Hammack; Scott D Mist; Mark E Pennesi; Robert M Bennett; Kim M Mauer; Kim D Jones; Mary M Heinricher Journal: Pain Date: 2016-04 Impact factor: 7.926
Authors: Kerry McInnes; Christopher L Friesen; Diane E MacKenzie; David A Westwood; Shaun G Boe Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-04-11 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Natalie A Grima; Shantha M W Rajaratnam; Darren Mansfield; Dean McKenzie; Jennie L Ponsford Journal: J Clin Sleep Med Date: 2021-08-01 Impact factor: 4.324