The present study investigated the utility of the International
Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th edition
(ICD-10) diagnostic criteria for postconcussion syndrome (PCS) symptoms by
comparing symptom endorsement rates in a group of patients with mild
traumatic brain injury (MTBI) to those of a noninjured control group at
one month and three months post-injury. The 110 MTBI patients and 118
control participants were group-matched on age, gender, and education
level. Seven of the nine self-reported ICD-10 PCS symptoms differentiated
the groups at one month post-injury and two symptoms differentiated the
groups at three months post-injury: symptom endorsement rates were higher
in the MTBI group at both time periods. Fatiguing quickly and
dizziness/vertigo best differentiated the groups at both time periods,
while depression and anxiety/tension failed to differentiate the
groups at either time period. Collectively, the ICD-10 PCS symptoms
accurately classified the MTBI patients at one month post-injury, with the
optimal positive test threshold of endorsement of five symptoms coinciding
with a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 61%, respectively. The
ICD-10 PCS symptoms were unable to accurately classify the MTBI patients
at three months post-injury. (JINS, 2006, 12,
111–118.)