Persistent Pain Post-Traumatic Brain Injury: New Research Suggests Pain Drives Physical and Mental Health

Strategic Insights -

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, researchers have found that pain is a significant driver of physical and mental health in individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study, conducted by the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI) program, analyzed data from 1,796 individuals who reported pain after their injury. The results suggest that pain is a stronger predictor of physical and mental health outcomes than the other way around.

Key Takeaways:

  • 89% of the TRACK-TBI cohort (n = 2022) reported pain throughout 1 year postinjury.
  • The sample was primarily composed of white men in their early forties with mild, closed head injuries related to motor or road vehicle accidents.
  • The study found a stronger dominance of pain on physical and mental health than physical and mental health on pain.
  • Persistent pain is highly prevalent post-TBI and is a bigger driver of physical and mental health than vice versa.
  • The research concluded that future studies should aim to understand the causes of pain post-TBI to inform effective treatments.

Statistics:

  • 89% of TRACK-TBI participants reported pain throughout 1 year postinjury.
  • 77% of the sample was white, and 67% were men.
  • 87% of participants had mild TBI, and 99% had closed head injuries.
  • 57% of participants experienced TBI related to motor or road vehicle accidents.

Sources:

  • Reciprocal Causation Among Pain, Physical Health, and Mental Health 1 Year Post-traumatic Brain Injury: a Cross-lagged Panel Model From the Track-tbi Study. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 2025;40(5):319-328.
  • Zack, E., et al. "Transforming research and clinical knowledge in TBI: A multicenter study." Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 30.5 (2015): 301-312.
  • Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.