Neurobehavioral outcome in persons with violent or nonviolent traumatic brain injury

Objective: To broaden the investigation of those injured violently by examining neuropsychological and psychosocial outcomes in relation to circumstances of traumatic brain injury and preinjury factors. Design: A prospective, longitudinal study. Participants: A total of 752 adults with traumatic brain injury was grouped into those injured by violent or nonviolent circumstances and followed to 1-year post injury. Main outcome measures: Circumstance groups were compared on demographics, preexisting conditions, brain injury severity, and neuropsychological and psychosocial outcomes. Results: The results indicate significant differences between the groups on demographics, preexisting conditions, and head injury severity. Neuropsychological and psychosocial outcome did not differ between the circumstance groups when all other factors were taken into account. Conclusions: Injury severity and characteristics of the person that predate the injury were important to outcome rather than the circumstances of the injury itself.