[Interindividual variability in recovery after traumatic brain injury: effect of cognitive reserve].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive reserve in recovery after a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Different authors proposed that this construct might account for the mismatch between TBI severity, its clinical expression, and subsequent recovery.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Eighty-four patients who sustained moderate-to-severe TBI participated in the study. Participants were divided into a high cognitive reserve group (n=46) or low cognitive reserve group (n=38) based on premorbid educational and occupational attainment. Patient's functional status was examined with the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups in demographic and injury variables (sex, age, severity of injury, post-traumatic amnesia duration, and time since injury). The analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the 2 groups on the PCRS: The high cognitive reserve group scored better than the low cognitive reserve group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that cognitive reserve may mediate recovery after a moderate or severe TBI. Educational and occupational attainments provide a cognitive provision that would be associated with better functional status after injury.